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SELECTIONS 



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FEOM THE 



COEEESPONDBNCE 



ROBERT BLOOMEIELD 



TEE SUFFOLK POET 



EDITED BY W: H: HAET, F.S.A. 



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S^tfc.9 3,*^ 



PEEFACE. 



The following selections from the correspondence of Robert 
Bloomfield, the Suffolk poet, the well-known author of 6 The 
Farmer's Boy,' demand but few prefatory remarks. The ori- 
ginals from which they are taken comprise upwards of two 
hundred letters of the poet, his brother Greorge, his patron 
Capel Lofft, Esq., the Duke of Grafton, Samuel Rogers the 
poet, and a few other persons with whom he was accustomed 
to correspond. These letters have all (with a very few excep- 
tions) come from the possession of the family, and they are 
now, together with various autographs of the poet's works, the 
property of the nation, having been purchased by the Trustees 
of the British Museum. The exceptions to which I have 
alluded are a very few letters which I myself have bought at 
sales, and from Mr. Waller, the autograph dealer of Fleet 
Street. 

My principle of selection was simply this — to take such 
letters, or parts of letters, as related to the literary labours of 
the poet ; all others I have omitted, at least for the present. 
If this little volume should meet with encouragement, I may 
be induced to print the whole of the correspondence ; for, as a 
rule, selections are not desirable ; they are apt to give false 
impressions, though I think in the present instance I have not 
done anything calculated to mislead. I have adhered strictly 
to the rule I laid down for myself at the outset, and have only 
deviated in one or two instances, where I thought the letter 
would be of interest. 

To the life of the poet, already well known, I can add no 
new particulars ; but I have drawn up a tabular pedigree of the 
family, commencing with the poet's great-grandfather, Isaac 
Blomfield of Ousden, in Suffolk who was also great-grandfather 
of the late Dr. Blomfield, Bishop of London, and have inserted 
in the Appendix to this Preface a few Wills, which may be of 
interest. 

•i a o & 



VI PREFACE. 

Of this Isaac Blomfield of Ousden, the following is a little 
Biography, written by Greorge Bloomfield, brother of the 
poet : — 

Biography accords so well with the common chit-chat of mankind, 
or, as it is called, common conversation, that it cannot be wholly un- 
interesting, especially when a man has produced eminent men — men 
famous for something good or bad, and it often calls forth moral or 
religious reflections, and in this point of view may be useful. 

The man of whom I am going to speak was my Father's Grand- 
father ; but as I was born in the middle of the last century, I knew 
him well, and have a clear recollection of his person and his manner, &c. 
- — he lived to be fourscore. 

Old Isaac Blomfield, of Ousden. 

Ousden is a small village near Newmarket, partly in Suffolk and 
partly in Cambridgeshire. At Ousden resided old Isaac, a remarkably 
industrious, saving man ; his father and mother died when he was an 
infant ; he was brought up by an aunt till he was a great lad, when 
a lady was induced by the goodness of his character and his condition 
as an orphan, to apprentice him to a tailor. He married very young, 
had a large family, but he lost his wife, who died while some of his 
children were yet very young. But he had by this time, by hard 
thrift, hard work, &c, got to cut his own cloth (as the phrase is) — i.e., 
he was now a draper, and besides kept a small general shop. Having 
thus raised himself by his own merit to some degree of respectability, 
and being a tall good-looking man, he succeeded in his addresses to 
Mrs. Clift, a wealthy farmer's widow. He now became a farmer in a 
small way, but drove on his former trades with more spirit than ever, 
and thus in a very few years became rich. By his marriage with Mrs. 
Clift he had but one child, a son. Mrs. Clift also had a son by her first 
marriage, from whom are descended a genteel family of Clifts at 
Barnham, etc. Old Isaac willingly gave to young Clift all that 
descended from his (Clift's) father, or was possessed by Mrs. Clift 
when he married her. And although old Isaac had acquired the name 
and was regarded as a miser, he sent his young son James to the best 
schools, and continued him there till he acquired a classical education, 
and from this time, it is possible, had resolved to make him his heir, 
as it was James's mother had raised his fortune ; but for his marriage 
with Mrs. Clift he had still been the poor Ousden tailor. Be that as 
it may, he seems to have intended James for a gentleman ! ! This 
James proved himself to be possessed of all his father's virtues; he 
was thrifty (perhaps to a fault), yet kind-hearted and charitable when- 
ever real distress appeared. He settled here at Bury, and raised a 
most respectable boarding-school. I went three times with my father 
to see this Mr. James Blomfield ; he was my father's half-uncle — i.e., 
uncle by father's side.* Charles Blomfield, Esq., who is one of our 
magistrates, is a son of this James. Mr. C. Blomfield has through life 
been a most active man of business, and has now retired with an ample 
fortune. While in active life his public and private charities called forth 
the praise and admiration of all ranks, and as he in early life was 

* See Appendix No. 1, for his Will. 



PREFACE. VI 1 

chosen into the corporation, his talents soon placed him at the head of 
that body. For near thirty years he possessed what is called borough 
interest — i.e., who shall or who shall not be admitted into the corporate 
body. Fortunately he had a son who added to every virtue of the mind, 
what cannot be obtained by thousands — a superiority in learning. The 
Marquis of Bristol, through the interest of the late Lord Liverpool, 
got this son, Dr. Charles [James] Blomfield promoted to the Bench of 
Bishops. The Duke of Wellington has since promoted him to the See 
of London. 

But it is time to revert again to honest Old Isaac, the thrifty old 
Ousden tailor, and say something of his first family. His first-born 
son, named Isaac, went to sea, and is said to have settled in North 
America, but never was heard of more. It is rather a curious fact, 
that when my eldest sister opened a milliner's shop in a very gay style 
in Philadelphia, she was visited by an old gentleman whom they called 
Governor Blomfield (he having formerly held some office) ; this old 
man insisted upon it she (my sister) must be his relation, said his 
grandfather was an Englishman, &c. When my sister told him the 
name used to be spelt with one o, he seemed quite confirmed in his 
opinion, though he did not even know the name of the town or county 
from whence his grandsire came. Old Isaac's second son was George 
a tailor (my grandfather), settled at Pakenham ; his third, Nathaniel, 
a barber at Newmarket ; fourth, Edward, a husbandman at Ousden. 
Those, with his two daughters, have all married, and have left an almost 
infinite number of descendants. My grandfather (old George of Paken- 
ham) had twelve sons and daughters, nine of whom were married and 
left very large families. I mention not my grandfather because I 
revere his character ; he is not a model to be imitated, but rather a 
warning to caution mankind, but he produced a grandson, famous in 
his way (my brother, Robert Bloomfield, the Suffolk Rural Poet). 

A moralist in estimating the human character would have reference 
to the four cardinal virtues, Prudence, Temperance, Justice, and Forti- 
tude. I am sorry to say my grandfather, old George of Pakenham, was 
entirely destitute of the two first, prudence and temperance ; he was an 
excellent workman, blessed with a good constitution, married early to 
a Miss Hempsted, who made a most excellent wife and mother — add to 
this his father (old Isaac of Ousden) furnished him a shop of drapery 
well stored, and his wife's friends furnished them a house to live in ; 
but alas ! all these advantages were thrown away upon old George ; he 
was what is called a reading man, he took in magazines, &c, had an 
excellent memory, and, as we sometimes say, a stock of information ; 
but though the vanity of being a knowing one cost him much time &c, 
his greatest misfortune was he had a most pleasing address, was famous 
good company, and had a fine musical tenor voice of unusual strength 
and compass ; his company was courted by all the dashing boys of his 
day. He soon became poor, his father (old Isaac) soon tired of helping 
him, left him to fight his way as he could. In an angry fit my grand- 
father altered the spelling of his name by taking from the alphabet 
another o, and thus we became Bloomfield ; he vowed he would not be 
of the same name as old Grypus, meaning his father. 

Were my grandfather here to speak for himself, as he had a good 
stock of pride, he would perhaps say, ' My father gave his fortune to his 
youngest son by a second wife ! ! And pray what has this prudent 
half brother of mine done so very marvellous ? ! he has a grandson 



Vlll PREFACE. 

Bishop of London, true ; has given name to a new street in London, 
true. Well, and I have produced a grandson, a rural poet (Eobert 
Bloomfield), who bids fair to be remembered as long as his bishop ! ! ' 

But the painful answer to this is obvious, the question to be decided 
is whose family has done the most good to themselves and their fellow- 
creatures, the prudent descendants of James, or the rattling, merry- 
making descendants of George. Had old Isaac given his property to 
George, two or three merry frolics would have swallowed the whole. 
The benevolence and charity of James's family have been a blessing 
to thousands. As to the silly question who shall be remembered longest 
it does not deserve a thought. Old Time with his big besom will sweep 
away London, her bishops, poets, new streets, &c, and even the place 
where it stands will, like old Babylon, be forgotten. 

Old Isaac of Ousden used to come to see my father, and I have seen 
him at my grandfather's at Pakenham. In those visits he chose to go 
on foot, though he kept horses ; his scran, as he called it (victuals) in 
his pockets, and generally a leash or two of links &c. to treat those he 
visited with, and pockets full of apples for children &c. Soon after his 
second wife died, a lady from Islington came to reside at Ousden on a 
small farm of her own ; she seemed so singular in her behaviour that 
some said she was insane ; this lady was very old, and often confined 
by her infirmities. The village boys robbed her garden and orchards ; 
she at length came to a resolution to employ a steward ; old Isaac was 
recommended ; he looked after the estate some years. At length age 
and infirmities confined the old lady wholly to the house, he then went 
and resided in the old lady's house ; as she kept only women servants, 
he was a protection to her. The old lady lived several years ; at length 
she died. On her death bed she told old Isaac that she was an un- 
fortunate woman, had been maltreated by her relatives, &c, sent for 
proper witnesses, made her will, gave the Ousden estate, furniture, and 
everything as it stood to her steward, old Isaac. The plans of the 
Islington estates, said to be at that time worth 7001. a year were found 
amongst her papers ; her Islington estates were all by the will conveyed 
to old Isaac, but her relatives on her decease threatened old Isaac with 
an ejectment, and to turn him out of the estate at Ousden; he was 
most dreadfully afraid of the expenses of a law-suit ; the name of a 
lawyer struck him with dread equal to what he would have felt had his 
house been on fire ; but the old lady's relatives only threatened ; he 
heard no more of them, but lived quietly on the estate till his 
death, which did not happen till many years after the death of the 
old lady. Old Isaac never dared think of ejecting her relatives at 
Islington. 

My grandfather was heir-at-law to old Isaac, and twenty-three years 
older than his half-brother James. But old Isaac left by will all he 
possessed, Islington estate as well as the Ousden estate, to his youngest 
son, Mr. James Blomfield, schoolmaster, of Bury, who dreaded a lawyer 
or law-suit as much as his father (old Isaac) had done before him. 
Instead of his endeavouring to eject the old lady's relatives at Islington, 
he was eager to sell the Ousden estate ! ! ! and is said to have sold it for 
much less than its value : it fetched but 4001. This happened in 1767 ; 
when money was worth much more than it is now. The present Mr. 
Charles Blomfield has been my steady and benevolent friend for forty 
years ; he has constantly employed me, and as he is uncommonly con- 
descending and affable, he has often gossiped with me on things long 



PKEFACE. IX 

gone by ; he is better acquainted with the family history than I am ; 
he is by nature a wit, which has made his company so much sought by 
the great and wealthy. He once said to me, ' I was thinking, George, 
of putting you in a way how to mend your condition.' I thanked him, 
of course, but knew by the expression of his good-natured face that a 
joke was brewing. ' Well then,' says he, ' you know all about the 
Islington and Ousden estates ? ' I answered, ' Yes.' ' My grandfather 
would not claim the Islington estate, so it was lost ! he gave the 
Ousden estate to my father.' I told him I understood it perfectly. 
' Well, then,' says he, ' as you are heir-at-law to old Isaac, of Ousden, 
you shall go to Islington and claim the estate as heir-at-law. I have 
plans of the estates, which I will furnish you with when you set off.' 
We had a hearty laugh at the idea, and since that time (this is twenty 
years ago), whenever we were in trouble for money, my wife and I 
often talked of a journey to our estate at Islington ; and children who 
heard us would naturally be led to think there might be something in 
it more than a joke. 

I did not know my good old great-grandfather, old Isaac, till he was 
what I am myself now, a silly garrulous old man ; his manners were 
pleasing, his gossip always turned upon traditionary tales ; he considered 
himself as a descendant of a family of note, who were ruined by their 
loyalty to Charles I., talked of plate, and money found in moats, &c, 
&c. — old traditional tales learned of his aunt, and perhaps deserve as 
much credit as our traditional tales of ghosts, &c. One thing is 
strange ; when his aunt died he did not know he had a relation in the 
world ! ! ! He has now a thousand, were he to come and see them. 

This little sketch was written by Greorge Bloomfield, in the 
year 1830. 

Isaac Blomfield was buried in Ousden churchyard ; and over 
his grave was erected a table monument of red brick, with a 
Portland cover, on which is the following inscription : — 

Peragrine Clagett, 

diedy e 8th of May, 1738, 

aged 50 years. 

Mary Kawson, 

diedy e 10th of May, 1738, 

aged 49 years. 

This tomb was erected to 

their memory at the cost and 

charge of Isaac Blumfield 

of this town. 

Isaac Blomfield, 

died 1st February, 1770, aged 87. 

Susan, his wife, 
died 21st October, 1764, aged 70. 

It is a noticeable fact that the two ladies referred to in this 
inscription, Mrs. Clagett and Mrs. Eawson, died within two 
days of each other, and were very nearly the same age. 



X PREFACE. 

Mrs. Clagett made a will, dated October 10, 1712, the ori- 
ginal of which was lent to me some years back by Dr. Blomfield, 
late Bishop of London ; but I think it was never proved.* It 
contains an instance of ' cutting off a person with a shilling,' 
though in this case it was an uncle, and not a child of the 
deceased. The person referred to was undoubtedly Nicholas 
Clagett, D.D., who was born in 1654, became Preacher at 
St. Mary's Church, Bury St. Edmunds, in 1680, and Arch- 
deacon of Sudbury in 1693 ; and died in 1727. All the pro- 
perty (except the uncle's shilling) was left to Mrs. Mary Rawson, 
spinster, absolutely. Mrs. Clagett died on May 8, 1738, and it 
is presumed that the will was acted upon. On the next day, 
May 9, Mrs. Rawson made her will,f leaving everything to 
Isaac Blomfield. The following day, May 10, she died ; and 
on the 24th May, the will was proved in the Prerogative Court 
of Canterbury, by Isaac Blomfield. Mrs. Rawson is un- 
doubtedly the lady referred to in George Bloomfield's sketch, 
as having left a large Islington estate to Isaac Blomfield. 

As to the locality of the estates thus left to Isaac Blomfield, 
there seems to be some little discrepancy. Bishop Blomfield, 
in a letter to me of February 2, 1854, writes thus: — 'I have 
no information respecting my ancestors, earlier than the time 
of Isaac Blomfield, my great-grandfather, upon whose tomb- 
stone at Ousden his name is spelt in two different ways.' And, 
again, in a letter of November 24, 1856, he says, 4 My great- 
grandfather Isaac Blomfield was a yeoman or farmer at Ousden, 
where I have seen on his tomb an inscription in which his 
name is spelt in three different ways. He was, I have under- 
stood, steward or agent to the two ladies mentioned in your 
letter, who had considerable property in houses, in or near 
Berners Street, London. I rather think that he expected some 
part of their property to be left to him by will, which, how- 
ever, does not appear to have been the case.' 

Isaac Blomfield lived at Ousden when Mrs. Rawson made 
her will leaving her property to him ; but on her death, he 
went to Wickhambrook, to take possession of the property left 
by her, and afterwards resided there. He made a will in 1765, 
a copy of which is printed in the Appendix.f 

These few particulars relative to the ancestry of Robert 
Bloomfield, which I have been enabled to lay before the reader, 

* Appendix IS'o. 2. f Appendix Nq. 3. \ Appendix No. 4. 



PREFACE. XI 

are derived from family documents in my possession, for, on 
the maternal side, I descend from the same stock as the poet. 
I have by me several little poems and scraps written by (xeorge 
Bloomfielcl, the poet's brother, one of which I give here as a 
specimen ; it was penned on the occasion of my own appearance 
on the stage of life. 

ACEOSTIC 



WILLIAM HENEY HAET. 

When winter keen had closed his icy reign ? 
In beauty clad young spring peeps forth again, ] 
Love's genial season — the tuneful grove 
Loudly revibrates to the voice of love. 
In nature's glowing tints, each tree and flower 
Attests the wonders of supernal power. 
May thou, dear boy, be trained in virtue's ways, 
Heaven protect thee in thine infant days. 
Each revolving year may thou like spring 
New pleasures to thy anxious parents bring ; 
Religion's blessings, be they ever thine, 
Yield thee support and peace till life's decline. 
Healthful and happy may thy parents prove, 
And thou return their anxious care and love. 
Rich grace and pardoning love on thee attend 
Till Heaven receive thee, when this life shall end. 

George Bloomfield. 
Bury St. Edmund's, April 7, 1830. 

That this little tribute to the memory of the Suffolk Eural 
Poet may not be unacceptable to the lovers of true unsophisti- 
cated genius is the unfeigned wish of 

Their faithful servant, 

W. H. Hart. 



APPENDIX. 



No. 1. 



This is the last Will and Testament of me James Blomfield of 
Bury Saint Edmund's in the county of Suffolk schoolmaster made this 
thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
hundred and eighty- four in manner following that is to say. First I 
give and devise all that my messuage or tenement situate and being in 
or near a street called the Hatter Street in Bury Saint Edmund's 
aforesaid with the fixtures and all and every the appurtenances thereto 
belonging now in the occupation of George Chinery gentleman unto 
my son Charles Blomfield and his heirs for ever. Also I give and 
bequeath to my son John Blomfield the sum of ten pounds to be paid 
to him by my executors hereinafter named within one month next 
after my decease. Also I give to my said son John Blomfield all the 
timber and wood which was bought by me to be used and worked up 
by my said son Jon Blomfield in the cabinet business and also the 
cramp glue pot and cover which I likewise bought for his use in 
the same business. Also I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved 
wife Lucy Blomfield her executors and administrators my two mortgages 
or securities for one hundred pounds each from Mr. Thomas Patrick 
and Mr. Thomas Golding and all principal and interest moneys which 
shall be due to me on the said two mortgages or either of them at the 
time of my decease. Also I give and bequeath to the said Lucy 
Blomfield my wife all the interest money which shall be due to me at 
my decease upon Thomas Hewitt's mortgage or security to me for one 
hundred pounds and also all the interest money which shall grow due 
on the said last mentioned security during the term of her natural life 
and after her decease I give the said principal sum of one hundred 
pounds so due to me on mortgage from the said Thomas Hewitt to my 
said son Charles Blomfield. And whenever the said principal sum of 
one hundred pounds shall be paid in by the said Thomas Hewitt I 
order and direct the same to be placed out again at interest by and in 
the names of the said Lucy Blomfield my wife and my said son Charles 
Blomfield on such security or securities as they shall think proper and 
the interest thereof to be paid to the said Lucy Blomfield my wife for 
the term of her life. And afier her decease I give the said last men- 
tioned principal sum of one hundred pounds to my said son Charles 
Blomfield as aforesaid. All the rest and residue of my moneys or 
securities for moneys bills bonds book debts and other debts after 
payment of all such sum and sums of money as I shall owe at the time 
of my decease the legacy above mentioned my funeral charges charges 
of probate of this my will and other charges incident to the executor- 



PREFACE. Xlll 

ship I give and bequeath to the said Lucy Blomfield my wife and the 
said Charles Blomfield my son equally to be divided between them. 
Also I give to the said Lncy Blomfield my wife all the furniture of my 
own lodging room of what kind soever. All the rest and residue of my 
furniture and all my plate linen household goods and other goods 
chattels and effects (except moneys) I give to my said son Charles 
Blomfield. And lastly I make and appoint the said Lucy Blomfield my 
wife and Charles Blomfield my son Executor and Executrix of this my 
last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other Will and Wills by 
me at any time heretofore made. In witness whereof I the said James 
Blomfield have to this my last Will and Testament contained in two 
sheets of paper affixed together at the top to the first sheet thereof set 
my hand and to this last sheet set my hand and seal the day and 
year first above written. 

James Blomfield ( L.S. ] 

Signed sealed published and declared by the said 
James Blomfield as and for his last Will and Testament 
in the presence of us who in his presence and at his 
request have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto 
Wm. Norford 
Henry Bullen 
Jno. Perry 

Probate of this Will was made in common form 
before the Rev. Joseph Sharpe, clerk Surrogate to 
the Worshipful John Gooch D.D. commissary &c. 
8th March 1785 by the oaths of the Executors to 
whom administration &c. was granted being sworn 
&c. saving all right &c. 



No. 2. 

October y e 10 one thousand seven hundred and twelve. 
In y e Name of God Amen. 

I Peragrine Clagett of y 8 Parish of Wickam-Brook in y e County 
of Suffolk, Spinster being in good and perfect health of Body & Mind 
(Praised be God) I doe make & ordain this my last Will and Testa- 
ment in manner & form following. First I recommend my soul to 
Almighty God. My Body I committ to y e Earth, as to my worldy (sic) 
goods I dispose of in y e manner following. Imprimus I will & 
bequeath to my Uncle Docter Nicolas Clagett to him or his Heirs one 
shilling Lastly all y e rest of my Personal Estate as Mortgages Bonds & 
Bills goods & chatties as Likewise my Lands and Tenaments lying at 
Wickam Brook w th all y e appertanances belonging thereunto I will & 
bequeath to Mrs. Mary Rawson Spinster to her & her heirs Admi- 
nistrators or Executors, I doe also appoint Mrs. Mary Rawson Sole 



XIV PREFACE. 

Executrix of this my last Will and Testament, Further I doe here 
declare these Presents to be my last will and Testament in wittness 
whereof I have here set my hand and seal 
In presence of these wittnesses 
Signed sealed and published 
in y e presence of us 

Edward Howlett Peragrine Clagett 

Sarah Howlett 
Matthew Richardson 




No. 3. 

This ninth day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand seven 
hundred thirty eight I Mary Eawson of Wickham Brook in the County 
of Suffolk being sick and weak in body but thanks be to God sound in 
memory and in a disposing mind I give and bequeath unto Mary 
Beeten wife of Thomas Beeten of Owsden five pounds of lawful money 
of Great Britain a year and every year during her life. I give and 
bequeath unto Honour Beeten daughter of the aforesaid Mary Beeten 
five pound when she shall be at the age of twenty-one years to be paid 
by my Executor hereafter named. And I give unto Isaac Blomfield of 
Owsden both my temporal and personal Estate wheresoever and what- 
soever. And my Mind and Will is that Isaac Blomfield who I nominate 
and appoint sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament desiring 
him to see this my Will perform'd my debts and funeral charges and 
Probate of this my Will and Legacies paid. And I do desire this to be 
my last Will and Testament Revoking all former Wills by me made 
and have hereunto the day and year above written set my hand and 
seal in the presence of these Witness and witnessed by us whose names 
are here subscribed (Estate before sealing interlined) 
Mary Rawson James Barrow 

Will : Osband his mark Will : Elsdon his mark. 

Proved at London 24th May 1738 before the Worshipful 
Robert Chapman Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the 
Oath of Isaac Blomfield the sole Executor to whom 
Administration was granted having been first sworn 
duly to administer. 



TREFACE. XV 



.No. 4, 

This is the last Will and Testament of me Isaac Blomfield of 
Wickhambrook in the County of Suffolk Farmer made published and 
declared in manner following that is to say. First I nominate and 
appoint my Son James Blomfield sole Executor of this my said Will 
and Testament. Item I give and devise unto my said Son James Blom- 
field and to his heirs and assignes for ever. All and every my freehold 
and copyhold Messuages lands tenements meadows pastures feedings 
hereditaments whatsoever with their rights members priviledges and 
appurtenances in Wickhambrook aforesaid or in any other Town or 
Parish in the said County of Suffolk he my said Son or his heires 
paying out of the premises the mortgage money which may be due 
thereon at my decease but in case I shall sell and dispose the premises 
to a purchasor thereof as I do propose Then the money arising by such 
sale and disposal of the premises (after payment of such mortgage 
money thereon) I give and bequeath to my said Son James Blomfield 
and to his use and disposal. Item I give and bequeath to John Blom- 
field Son of my said Son James Blomfield the legacy or sum of fifty 
pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid him the said John 
Blomfield when he shall attain the age of twenty-one years and to 
remain in the hands of his father my said Executor until he attain that 
age but in case of the death of the said John before that time I will the 
said legacy or sum of money shall go to my said Son James and to his 
use and disposal or to his executors or administrators. Item I give and 
bequeath to my Son George Blomfield the legacy or sum of three 
guineas at three payments to be paid him within three yeares next 
after my decease. And also I give him all my working tools and im- 
plements which I have used in the tayerling way as also such unwrought 
pieces or parts of pieces and remnants of goods in the tayerling way 
which may remain in my house undisposed of at my death if any such 
there shall then be. Item I give and bequeath the legacy or sum of two 
guineas to be paid by my Executor within one month next after my 
decease to each and every one of my three Sons namely the said George 
Blomfield and Isaac Blomfield and Edward Blomfield and likewise to 
the Widow of my late deceased Son Nathaniel Blomfield and also two 
Guineas to be paid at the same time and equally divided amongst the 
children of my daughter Mary (who is incapable of receiving the same 
for them) at the discretion of my said Executor therein. And I desire 
that all my just debts may be fully paid and sattisfyed as soon as may 
be after my decease. And lastly I give and bequeath all the surplus 
and residue of my personal estate and effects unto my said son James 
Blomfield and to his use and disposal making and declaring him my 
said Son James Blomfield sole residuary Legatee of this my last Will 
and Testament, In Witness whereof I the said Isaac Blomfield have 



XVI PREFACE. 

hereunto sett rny hand and seal the fifth day of February in the year 
of our Lord One thousand seven hundred sixty five and in the fifth 
year of the reign of our Sovereign George the third King of Great 
Britain &c 

Isaac Blomfield ( T _, \ 

Signed sealed published and declared by the said 
testator Isaac Blomfield as and for his last Will and 
Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto 
subscribed our names as Witnesses to the same at his 
request and hi his presence and also at the same time in 
the presence of each other of us 

Wm. Chaplin 
Willm. Payne 
Elizabeth Crick 

Probate of this Will was made in common form -\ 
before Joseph Sharp, Clerk, Surrogate to John Gooch 
D.D. Commissary 24th February 1770 by the oath of I 
the Executor to whom Administration &c was granted j 
being sworn &c saving all right &c I 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



1. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

London : Sept. 8, 1799. 
Dear George, — I am very much in your debt with regard 
to writing. I received your parcel in June, and am every way 
gratified and obliged by its contents ; you seem to express so 
much good will and earnest solicitude about my poetical welfare, 
that I think it incumbent on me to say a few words on that 
subject first. You know that I have naturally (in common with 
the rest of the family) an inclination for music, and that I was 
formerly a beginner in the practice of it; and you likewise 
know that w^en I am at work I often indulge myself in whistling 
and singing ; now if I leave off the practical part of music, as I 
have done years ago, and then again can find something to 
amuse my mind with as much as by singing, or perhaps more, 
I reckon it but amusement still. 

**'■*,■** -8 

If I had leisure hours I should read, but in this I debar my- 
self as much as I possibly can ; the only extravagance I have 
been guilty of in this way is the purchase of two numbers of 
the ' Monthly Magazine,' and I am not a little pleased to find 
Mr. Lofft a well-known correspondent of theirs. I suspected 
Mr. Lofft was concerned in the new review, from his friend 
saying (the { respectable gentleman in London to whom he had 
communicated his sentiments respecting the poem ') — he says, 
6 I read that part of your letter to Messrs. Vernor and Hood, 
my publishers,' and in Mr. Lofft's letter to you he expressed it 
our publishers. 

I thank you for the account of Dyer. Dr. Johnson, I think, 
is a ' Thwackum ' amongst critics ; I always look at him and his 
abilities with a mixture of reverence and anger. 

I have read Gay's 'Trivia;' it descends to minute descrip- 
tions of London, more minute than mine do of the country ; his 
minutise must be more subject to change than mine, less depen- 
dent on nature. 

From the many letters I have received from you on poetical 
subjects, I find that our taste of those things agrees surprisingly, 

B 



Z SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

even to little particulars. I can always, therefore, speak to you 
with the confidence of being understood ; and when I find you 
and Mr. Lofft use the same high epithets of praise for my poetry, 
I am obliged to believe you from knowing and observing that 
though some would read or hear Ramsay's piece unmoved, I 
cannot. Ad ear for music and a voice are by nature sometimes 
given jointly, sometimes separately, and more frequently totally 
withheld. Dr. Johnson was unmoved by the powers of music, the 
e concord of sweet sounds,' and yet could write musical poetry ? 
If you feel the same pleasure in reading mine which I, and you, 
and all of us, feel in reading other poetry, you have a right to 
use what expressions } 7 ou please without being accused of 
flattery. I often thought of 'Hail, May,' and whether Mr. 
Lofft would ever see it, and determined not to speak of such 
things till I was forced; but it is now, with its accompanying 
information, got into his hands, in th.e best manner it could 
have gone ; and though I don't think so highly of it as you seem 
to do, I am convinced it will do me no hurt. I shall see in 
what manner ' The Farmer's Boy ' is advertised, not in the 
papers but on the covers of the monthly publications from that 
house, the '. Monthly Mirror,' ' Ladies' Museum,' &c. They in- 
sert their advertisements in the 'Chronicle,' &c. Relative to 
its ornamental part, the cuts, I send the following from the 
' Monthly Magazine.' I write this letter at different opportuni- 
ties ; it is now Oct. y e 6th, and I have lent the magazine to Nat, 
which contains my intended extract. It is to this effect, ' That 
the art of engraving on wooden blocks which formerly consti- 
tuted the only ornaments for books, has lately been revived 
by the " Bewicks " of Newcastle. One of them is dead, but the 
art is not dead ; for we understand that a son of Dr. Anderson 
and several other young men have carried the art to very great 
perfection ; their performances rival in brilliancy and spirit the 
finest productions on copper. Everyone acquainted with the 
trouble and delays of printing with plates of copper is sensible 
of the advantages and convenience of this way, as the prints are 
impressed at the same time with the letter-press.' 

Not long after you left London, Buckler, or as we called him, 
Buckle, the shoemaker of Pitcher's Court, importuned me re- 
peatedly to write out for him my scraps of poetry which had 
been inserted in the papers. I did it, and I remember that he 
approved most ' An Harvest Scene ' in blank verse ; but this, 
and all the rest, but that which you have sent to Mr. Lofft, I 
have forgot, and if you have any more by you should be par- 
ticularly obliged to you if you will put your thumb upon them 
and not let them see the daylight again. Buckle was a poetical 
enthusiast. He went to America, and I heard that he carried on a 
roaring trade at New York, but broke during the first visitation of 
the fever, wrote to Charles Jones since, that he was going to 
purchase land in the back settlements and turn farmer, since 



ROBEKT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. o 

which, accounts have come that he is dead, and left a wife and 
two or three children. 

Mr. Dilly's is nearly opposite to Vernor and Hood's. (Perhaps 
he will rather wonder how I came by the patronage of a critic.) 
The name of Vernor you may perhaps remember in Fore Street, 
between the Castle and the end of Coleman Street, when we 
lived at Syms'. He was here only a bookseller. He moved to 
Birchin Lane and opened a circulating library, and I afterwards 
found the name of Hood added to his. From hence they moved 
to their present situation and became publishers ; but I see 
nothing of Mr. Vernor. I imagine him to be old, for Mr. Hood 
is the acting partner ; he seems about forty, and with what we 
call a gentlemanlike carriage ; he seems naturally good-natured, 
and perhaps would have told me more particulars if I had found 
heart enough to ask them. I doubt we shall never know who 
the i respectable gentleman ' is, to whom Mr. Lofft wrote his first 
sentiments of the poem ; I judge it was the same gentleman who 
borrowed it to read before it went to the designer and engraver, 
&c. You may perhaps sometimes wish to know whether, when 
it comes out, it will be a sudden surprise to my London acquaint- 
ance, or whether they know it already ? You may remember I 
told you that Mr. Hood told me to call again in a month and I 
should see some of it printed ; this was last February. As Horton 
and my shopmates did not reckon me close and uncommunica- 
tive, I did not like that they should. My wife and I consulted 
about it that as it was to come so soon, we had better tell them 
now, and not let them say we were close, &c, and perhaps more 
— that I wanted to cut the greater shine over them ; I therefore 
told Horton, and he carried it to the Blue Last, and I soon 
found myself obliged to explain to Eobinson, &c, but, as it has 
been detained so long, I have often repented of divulging it at 
all ; as it is, I must take all that follows. If the piece is really 
ever so intrinsically good, and my reputation raised by it to 
public notice, there are thousands who would still cry, ' What 
does he get by it ? ' To these ' lovers of gain,' gain is the sum 
total of all other arguments and considerations. To silence those 
it is no small triumph to me that Mr. LofYt has ensured to me 
half the profits, if profits should arise from it ; and if no profits 
arise, Mr. Hood will make a worse job of it than I. It must be 
obvious to you what a great advantage we gained, or rather you 
gained, by showing the book to Mr. Lofft. As every book applies 
itself more or less to the experience and judgment of its feaders, 
so does this. Perhaps neither Mr. Bent nor Mr. Dilly ever saw a 
spring morning in the country, or if they did, not with the eyes 
and the feelings of Mr. Lofft, to whom 

1 Say, ye that know, ye who have felt and seen, 
Spring's morning smiles, and soul-enliv'ning green ; 
Say, did you give the thrilling transport way ? 
Did your eye brighten, when young lambs, at play, 
Leap'd o'er your path ? ' &c. 

B 2 



4 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

These images, being familiar to him, gave -him patience to 
read it through ; and I consider myself highly indebted to you 
as well as him. 

E. Bloomfield. 



2. Gapel Lofft to Thomas Hill. 

Troston : January 1 ; 1800. 
Dear Sir, — Many thanks for your obliging letter. By the 
same post I received the last proof of the Poem of 'The 
Farmer's Boy.' I have not yet received any of the preface. 
*--' ft**-* * 

Capel Lofft. 

3. Gapel Lofft to George Bloomfield. 

Dear Sir, — I have had the pleasure of seeing your brother's 
delightful poem at last published. I copy part of a letter from 
the Duke of Grafton, which I received by this post : — 

6 I have to thank you for the acquaintance of a real untaught 
genius, starting from our neighbourhood ; which, together with 
the account you give of his moral character, makes me very 
desirous of being of service to him. I cannot but lament that 
I had no intimation given me from any person of him or his 
disposition, at a time when he might have been assisted to great 
effect in his education, and that easily. I should be glad to 
converse with him, if he would do it frankly, on his future views 
of life; and, if he was advised by you to call on me here, I 
would first thank him for his work, and then hear what were 
his plans or wishes for his future occupations. He would find 
me at home every day about noon ; if on Friday, not till after 
one o'clock. I should be curious to hear where you first had 
knowledge of this young man, or of any of his writings. The 
character he has given was well deserved by William Austin, 
whose son is now in his father's farm.' 

I could not resist copying this. You will not give a copy of 
it ; but you will show it to those friends to whom you may wish 
to communicate it. I will write to your brother by to-morrow's 
post. I remain, dear sir, yours very sincerely, 

Capel Lofft. 

Bury : March 1, 1800. 

4. Robert Bloomfield to his Mother. 

London : March 5, 1800. 
My dear Mother, — Through the unexampled goodness of Mr. 
Lofft, I am now able to send you this copy of my poem. There 
are three sizes ; this is the middle one ; I have a copy con- 
siderably larger. I will not fail to tell you further of all that 
is in agitation, as soon as I have leisure, but I am rather pressed 






ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 5 

for time. You will see underneath a copy of a letter I now 
send to Mr. Lofft. The Duke gave me five guineas screwed up 
in a little bit of paper, and asked a thousand questions ; but I 
cannot say more now. My love to Isaac, father, and all friends. 
Your dutiful and fortunate son, 

Robert Bloomfield. 
(Copy.) 

London ; March 5, 1800. 

Sir, — I yesterday waited on his Grace the Duke of Grafton 
in obedience to your letter of the 2nd inst. I found (accom- 
panied with a present) the utmost condescension and goodwill 
expressed by his Grace, as well as by two ladies present. After 
about half an hour's conversation the Duke very generously 
asked if I could name any books which I might have a desire 
to see. I mentioned ( Burns' Poems,' to which the Duke added 
several others, and the younger lady added ' Mrs. Barbauld's.' 
Some others they proposed to add to the list, which his Grace 
wrote with a pencil, at the same time taking my address, with a 
request that I would wait on him again in ten days, and receive 
the books ; and (to use his own words) — c and by that time we 
shall be a little better acquainted, and you will have thought 
more what may be most agreeable to be done further.' 

I this day received a letter from Mr. Walker, of Conduit 
Street, highly nattering to myself, and accompanied with a 
ticket of admission to his lecture and exhibition at the Hay- 
market Theatre, and an invitation to call at his house. These 
high tokens of respect I trace to you, sir, as the prime cause of 
my gratifications and my advantages too. 

Copies of the poem I received last night from Mr. Hood, 
and I now send a copy to my mother, brothers, &c. The Duke 
of Grafton speaks in the highest possible commendation of the 
execution of the work; and everyone allows that, printed in 
this splendid manner, the piece has a very striking appearance. 
It is larger and more beautiful than I had conceived. I had 
not seen the poem, and consequently not the preface, when 
I waited on the Duke. My thanks, sir, will be best expressed 
in my future conduct. The prospects before me and my present 
encouragements are a real blessing to my family, and I write 
in the enjoyment of feelings which I will not endeavour to 
express, but remain, 

Most worthy sir, your obedient servant, 

Robert Bloomfield. 

Capel Lofft, Esq., Troston. 

5. Cajpel Lofft to George Bloomfield. 

Troston : March 19, 1800. 
Dear Sir, — I have the pleasure to inform you that your 
brother's poem will speedily be introduced to Lord Thurlow. 



6 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

This I greatly wished and had been endeavouring ; but I am 
happy by a letter received this evening to learn that it is in a 
train of being done from another quarter. 

I remain yours, with great esteem, 

Capel Lofft. 
Mr. George Bloonifield. 

Your brother, were he in the country, would sympathise 
with the lambs and their poor mothers. This is a dreadfully 
trying season for them. 

6. Robert Bloomjielcl to George Bloomfield. 

London : Sunday, June 15, 1800. 

Dear George, — You must not expect along epistle this time ; 
I can only hallo to you, like a coachman, talk flying. I have 
been this morning with Sir C. Bunbury to his next-door neigh- 
bours at Carlton House, carrying with me a large copj^ of the 

poem. It was the intention of Sir C to have introduced 

me to the Prince of Wales ; but we were desired to call again 
in an hour. We did so, but one of the brothers (I think 
Prince Adolphus) was with him, and afterwards Mr. Tierney; 

so that, not being likely to be disengaged, Sir C proposed 

to leave the book, which was done, and promised if the Prince 

should wish to see me, he (Sir C ) would let me know, &C. 

I received ten guineas from the hand of my most zealous friend 

Sir C , which, with a handsome complimentary letter, came 

to his house for me, from H.E.H. the Duke of York. The letter 
I have now enclosed to Mr. Lofft ; it will come back to your 
hand; send it to me again soon; don't deface it, &c. With 
regard to the cop} 7 right of ' The Farmer's Boy,' I believe my 
mother did not understand it. It was not Messrs. Vernor and 
Hood offered to buy it ; it was another bookseller hinted about 
purchasing it of me and them, but the measure was overruled, 
and I am glad of it, as you will see by the enclosed letter of 
Mr. Lofft's. Send the enclosed to Mrs. Phillips. The Duke of 
Grafton desired me by letter to wait on him on Wednesday 
night, to tell him ' what was doing to the second edition.' A 
Mr. Anesley and Mr. Harison, member for Thetford, were pre- 
sent, and each ordered two copies ; they were delivered next day. 

I supped with Mr. Hood on Tuesday. He treated me with a 
sight of the exhibition of paintings at Somerset House, in com- 
pany with his wife and son, on Wednesday afternoon ; he has 
likewise promised to settle with me for the first edition next 
week. Lie gave me ' The Pleasures of Hope ' and three hand- 
some volumes of 'Peter Pindar's ' works (plenty of laughter). I 
send three copies of the poem, one for you (show it to all friends), 
and one for Mr. W. Austin, and the other for Mrs. Mothersole. 
Mr. (ledge called on me, and insisted on giving me half a 
guinea. Nothing was said at the Duke's about the Stamp Office. 

Love to all. All well. E. Bloomfield. 






ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 7 

7. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

Sunday Night, October 5 [1800]. 
Dear George, 

My portrait was taken some time ago by a miniature painter 
named Polack. The painting was about five inches high ; the 
engraving will be published next month. I don't like the 
painting much. The print is published by subscription, for the 
benefit, I believe, of the engraver and the brother-in-law of 
Hood, who employs him. 

The letters I have sent of Mr. LofTt's will inform you of a 
late sort of misunderstanding at Troston and Euston, which is 
happily settled. 

* * * * * * 

E. Bloomfield. 

8. Robert Bloomfield to his Mother. 

London: Nov. 3, 3800. 
Dear Mother, — The enclosed portrait is, we think, a tolerable 
likeness, but is thought too old for me. Nat and Isaac, and 
indeed all of us, think that the faulty part is at the corner of 
the mouth. You will see the name of Drummond as the painter 
and Eidley the engraver. I shall have to sit to another painter, 
Mr. E dredge, and the plate will be engraved by the same Mr. 
Ridley, and is intended for the poems when published. 

* * * ; * * * 

E. Bloomfield. 

9. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

London : Feb. 24, 1801. 
Dear George, 

My book affairs go on tolerably. I am getting acquainted 
with another baronet, Sir J. Bland Burgess, author of ' Eichard 
the First,' a new heroic poem in eighteen books. He gave me 
the book ; he is heir to the estate of Ixworth Thorp. Another 
fortnight must go before I can have my writings and bargains 
completed, and the poems put to press. 

Mr. LofYt says a Dr. Clubbe has translated the first quarter 
of y e 6 Farmer's Boy ' into Latin, on which I have said to him, 

Hey, Giles ! in what new garb art dress'd ? 

For lads like yon methinks a bold one ; 
I'm glad to see thee so caress'd ; 

But, hark ! yet don't despise your old one. 
Thou'rt not the first by many a hoy 

Who've found abroad good friends to own 'em ; 
Then, in such coats have shown their joy, 

E'en their own fathers have not known 'em ! 



b SELECTION'S FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

I have this moment an invitation to supper and an order for 
three ' Hannah's.' I hope to get ' Eover ' printed,, and then to 
advertise the two together ; they will also be included with the 
poems, with a notice of their being set to music, &c. I write 
now to the Duke of Grafton, to Mr. Grant, Mr. Park, Mr. Lofft, 
and to you ; wrote last night to Stamford. Pray remember me 
to my mother ; I wish I had time to speak to her. Love to all 
friends. 

R. Bloomfield. 

10. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

Sunday Afternoon, April 19, 1801. 
Dear Greorge, 

^ '#-"■*■#■'■*•'' # 

Yesterday, in consequence of my letter to the Duke the pre- 
ceding day, a servant, mounted, brought me a kind letter from 
his Grace, with his approbation of ( Walter and Jane.' The 
servant took an answer back, and I must call there on Wed- 
nesday next. This blacksmith and his doxy being the last of 
my family (in the poetical line), I feel my mind much eased, as 
well as much gratified by finding the critics smile upon the 
young rogues. 

Love to all friends, 

KOBERT. 

1 1 . Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

Thursday, Aug. 27, 1801. 
Dear Greorge, — I hope you will not be gone before you have 
this. I know not how to apologise for not writing before. 
Yesterday the damned creaking of the door almost harrowed 
my soul to rags. Every noise was a dagger in my ears. I tried 
to soothe my pain with poetry, to exert myself forcibly, and to 
conquer by a coup de main the imaginary evils that beset me, 
for imaginary they certainly were in a great degree. I think a 
man really mad is far happier than one who has this dastardly 
sinking of the soul, and retains his reason seemingly for no 
other purpose than to prove its weakness. I had been made 
most outrageously angry the day before ; and, on Sunday last, 
some verses of Nat's about my parents and the enclosing of 
Honington G-reen, had melted me into salt water, and opened 
every latent weakness of my heart to a very uncommon degree. 

* -H- •* * C * * 

BOBERT. 

P.S. — I have oiled the hinges of the door. To hear that 
you can get along will be oil to my own hinges. I have been 
composing a ' Ditty for a Highland Drover returning from 
England,' but have not patience to copy it now ; it completes 



KOBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. V 

the coming volume, but the Winter Song shall stand last. I 
wish Isaac would send me complete copies of the tunes ; I wait 
for them. 

My head swims a little. I must take a turn amongst the 
brickfields and snuff up the smoke ; and, perhaps, to-morrow, 
shall feel the return of my usual spirits, or more. Lord ! 
what a poor creature is man ! and of men what a poor creature 
is a Bloomfield ! 

12. Robert Bloomfield to Capel Lofft. 

(Extract.) Oct. 22, 1801. 

I cannot forbear mentioning a subject that has troubled 
me for a month past, during which time I have hesitated about 
daring to broach it. In the notes of approbation which you 
have attached to each piece in the volume now printing, a 
praise too direct, if not premature, is made to meet the public 
eye. These notes, sir, will be disapproved, I know they will. 
I wish sincerely they had been concentrated in another form at 
the end of the volume, and not, as in their present situation, 
appearing to lead the reader to a determination which he, no 
doubt, would rather have to flow from his own judgment than 
from that of aoy man whatever. If it is asked, What possible 
detriment can it be to the author ? I answer, that if it be 
known that he saw the proofs, and permitted such direct praise 
to pass him, it may and will be said, that ' He is not very 
averse to flattery, if he can deceive himself into a belief of the 
justness of such applause before the public has seen this second 
attempV And thus involved in the censure of the many, he 
may wish in vain that he had had courage to vote against it. 

Your motive is for my good, no one will doubt it. I am 
certainly proud of the approbation of such a man as Mr. Fox, 
and should be glad that the public should know it, as well as 
that Mr. Lofft gave an entire approbation of what he was 
laying before them. But I wish it had been in a more unex- 
ceptionable shape. 

I beg of you to consider it, and to make the notes stand at 
the end in the quartos and octavos now printing, as they will 
meet the public eye first. Nay, I will venture further, and say 
that such a declaration in my favour from my friend Mr. Lofft, 
would have had a tenfold weight in a second edition (should it 
be required) than thus to assume the appearance of judging 
for the reader, and thereby destroying that fair trial of opinion 
which the pieces would otherwise experience. I wish the sub- 
ject had been started before the printing had begun ; but I did 
not then feel myself implicated, as I now know that I am and 
shall be. 

This is a delicate subject, and I think Mr. Lofft will not 
urge anything to hurt my feelings instead of being grateful and 
pleasing. 



10 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

Everybody who has seen the pieces, either in MS. or in the 
proofs, are uniform in this opinion, but no one will tell you so 
but myself. I shall call this ( my humble remonstrance and 
petition,' and trusting to your candour, remain, &c. 

Bloomfield. 

13. Capel Lofft to Robert Bloomfield. 

Saturday, Oct, 24, 1801. 
Sir, — I received your letter, and I own, having this moment 
received it, I am much hurt by it. 

I think there will be the height of absurdity in having the 
notes to the octavos and quartos in a different form from those 
to the pocket volume. 

I imagine all this is from Mr. Hood, who, having done me a 
gross insult and shameful injustice in the matter of the Homer, 
wishes, as you may in time learn is usual, to exclude my name 
from every part of your works, and to make you believe my 
judgment of approbation is greatly to be dreaded. I wish I had 
known your mind in time ; I would not have given my mind 
the trouble, often very distressing, of calling off its attention 
from yet far nearer objects of its concern to write notes on your 
poems, excellent as those poems are, and much as I have re- 
garded and am disposed to regard their author. 

I think I am as much at liberty to express my opinion of 
your poems as the reviewers or any other person. 

However, say, if you please, and in any terms you please, at 
the end of the volume, that you disapprove my having done so ; 
only do not forget to say that you never hinted this disappro- 
bation to me till all were printed. 

There could hardly, I think, be an instance of more con- 
centrated criticism, nor a more simple unexceptionable shape 
in which to offer it. What I said of Mr. Fox I said less for the 
sake of Mr. Fox than for the sake of my country and posterity 
and mankind. If it may lead any portion of the public to learn 
better to distinguish than hitherto between those who have 
plunged us into such a war and so long kept us in it, and those 
who would have prevented our ever rushing into that direful 
whirlpool, I have [attained] my chief object. 

I will certainly not alter the form of the notes. I was ex- 
cluded from any other part in this volume by your own express 
desire. I think I may say in future that it is not likely that I 
should thus strangely offend. I do not mean to write either 
note or essay to any future edition of any poems you may 
publish in my lifetime. I assure [you] I can very ill spare the 
time, short as the notes are. To have taken so avowed a 
part in the first publication, and none, except that of corrector 
of the press and occasional emendator, in this, would, I think, 
have had a strange and undesirable appearance for you and 



ROBEET BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 11 

for the poems : as if I had changed my mind as to you or them 
or both. Mind, I could not well take any part that was more 
modest, or offer an opinion in fewer words. You, and you 
say your friends in general, are, or will be, dissatisfied with 
them and dislike my occupying even so small a space in your 
works and so unobtrusive a station as the bottom of the page. 
I believe you will find me assuredly resolved not to occupy any 
space at all in them in future ; only if I must not say what I 
think of you, it would have been as well if you, in your preface, 
had not said what you think of me. In future, if I am to be 
silent as to your praise in your publications, I would request 
you to be so as to mine reciprocally. 

But I hope it was not about such a matter as this that the 
Duke of Grrafton told me, by Mr. Eogers, that he meant to call at 
Troston. I heard by Mr. Eogers what I was glad to hear, as it 
concurs with my own sentiments, that ' The Miller's Maid ' was 
a particular favourite with Mr. Fox. 

Suppose you did read my praise of your poems in the proofs, 
and did not strike it out, what then ? Did not you send me 
your praise of me to read in your preface in the proof? If you 
thought it wrong that a man should revise a proof in which a 
friend has said something in his praise, you should not have 
sent such a proof to me. I am ready at all times to do what 
essential services I can, but such punctilios I do not like nor 
expect from a man of genius. 

I remain yours sincerely, Capel Lofft. 

Mr. Bloomfield. B 

14. Robert Bloomfield to Capel Lofft. 

Oct. 26 [1801]. 
Sir, — With expedition equal to your own, but with much 
less warmth, I humbly beg to reply. It is an irksome task 
that I am obliged to justify Mr. Hood against your groundless 
suspicions. But, however I may sink in your estimation, I 
shall retain justice enough to declare that I have not spoken to 
Mr. Hood during the last three weeks, and never yet heard one 
word from him on the subject of the present notes. Thus much is 
due to him from me, and shall fearlessly be paid as the declara- 
tion of truth. Now then, sir, I am willing to take all your 
displeasure on myself. I am aware of the difficulty of making 
the quartos differ from the pocket size, but I was not aware 
that the mention of any subject connected with the work in 
hand, in the channel of an intimate correspondence, would 
subject me to the hazard of being discarded by Mr. Lofft. I 
have reason to rely on his judgment, and always did; the con- 
currence of the public in his j udgment of ' The Farmer's Boy ' 
taught me to rely on it. Does it then follow, that, if I learn 
that a dislike subsists in many minds to have my little pieces 
prejudged, as they call it, that I am forbidden to say so ? I 



12 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

never objected to your praise. To rny shame I speak it, I never 
objected personally to any applause which anything of mine 
might draw from you. I only ventured to mention that pre- 
vious praise did not please the readers, and that I thought 
myself implicated in it. Mr. Hood's name was not mentioned. 
The animosity between you and Mr. Hood has proved always, 
as I said it would, my severest trouble. It blocks up the field 
of fair discussion, stops my mouth on all occasions where habits 
of intimacy would prompt me to tell what I thought and what I 
think. The nauseous task of telling who said that and who said 
this I never will descend to. I have satisfied my own conscience 
in endeavouring to state to Mr. Lofft what I think concerns us 
both. I have no personal objection to the notes, I never had; 
but if the disapprobation of even a small portion of readers 
could be avoided, I repeat it, I did not think I was wrong in 
mentioning it, though I felt that reluctance which I did. I 
did not exclude Mr. Lofft from writing any critique, or ap- 
pendix, or whatever he pleased ; I said I should like to write 
something myself by way of preface. What was the reply ? ( It 
is very proper that you should.' I then thought that Mr. 
Lofft would have done the same in his own way, and when the 
proof of the preface was returned without, I was disappointed 
that he had not, and wished that I had said expressly that the 
proofs had been revised by him. So much for excluding Mr. 
Lofft from my poor publication. If I felt that I deserved these 
severe censures, I should be miserable ; as I know that I do not, 
my mind shall be easy, come what will. To write my thoughts, 
I see, is impossible without lessening that high opinion which 
has been professed for me. I have been extravagantly ap- 
plauded ; few men have had a severer trial. My modesty has 
been extolled ; my insolence shall not take place of it in any 
one's mind, unless what I now write be so termed. I feel my 
situation to be novel ; the world looks at me in that light ; I 
am extremely anxious on that account. I do not pretend to 
know how strong a negative in any case my author's pre- 
rogative ought to give me. I have formerly used it with much 
greater chance of offending (as I thought) than I did now. 
Now, I only suggested; formerly I dictated (in the 'imagi- 
nation '), and still I was not given up. If Mr. Lofft and I could 
change places, we might feel each other's convictions stronger, 
and I assure Mr. Lofft that he might safely enter upon the trial, 
and would have to endure no compunctions, no remorse for the 
sin of ingratitude, no consciousness of having forfeited one tittle 
of the character voluntarily given him by those who have a right 
to watch over the peculiarities of his mind, and the dawnings 
of his ambition, lighted and fanned by themselves. With these 
sentiments, never in my life thinking higher of my own purity 
of principle, I beg to be, sir, with all due and unabated respect, 
Yours, &c. Bloomfield. 



I 



KOBEKT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 13 

If the Duke of Grafton calls at Troston, and my name should 
be mentioned^ it may be more than I deserve. But if I had 
made any private communication, I should indeed be that 
scoundrel, which I am becoming in Mr. LofTt's account. 

If the trouble given by the revisal of my publication has 
robbed Mr. Lofft of one pleasure, it will cast a gloom over that 
train of thinking in my mind; but I shall never be un- 
grateful. 

15. Capel Lofft to Robert Bloomfield. 

Troston : Oct. 28, 1801. 

Sir, — I have received your letter, which it is impossible for 
me not to think a very harsh one. 

You have undoubtedly the full right of an author over your 
works, and the full privilege of a man to judge, and act on your 
judgment ; but I must also feel as a man, and I am accustomed 
as I feel to express myself. 

If you reflect you will not find that my idea that Mr. Hood 
had his share in this objection which you have at length stated 
to my notes could be said to be groundless. You had said 
yourself that every person who had seen either the MS. or the 
proofs had objected to the notes. Was I to suppose, could I 
suppose, consistently with fact and your own letters, that Mr. 
Hood had not seen either ? 

I never call on anyone, nor did I on you, for a disclosure of 
names that I have not a right to ask. And jou must think I 
could not be ignorant who had seen the proofs nearly to a man ; 
since nearly all who were likely to have seen them were, I 
imagine, those whom I introduced to you, and whose names I 
cannot want to ask. 

I did say that it was very proper you should write the 
preface. I had written one, and that was enough. More than 
sufficient fault was thought necessary to be found with a con- 
siderable part of that preface. I was there supposed to have 
said more than was proper and to have anticipated on the 
judgment of the public. Perhaps I know what is called the 
public better than you as yet know it. I know that public is 
just to authors after their deaths, but is commonly too careless 
to be just to them in their life, unless its attention be called to 
a new author. 

My appendix too was blamed ; it was said to be too long. My 
remarks on my removal as a Justice were treated, I must say, 
neither with delicacy nor, I think, with good judgment. I was 
justly sick of all this. And it required nothing less than the 
intrepid zeal of a very sincere friendship to write anything for 
a future edition after such unpleasant reception of what I had 
written — reception not from the public, not in general from 
reviewers, who have appeared well contented, but from the 



14 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

author and from some of the author's acquaintance, not more 
friends to him possibly, nor better judging friends, than myself. 

It has at length thus happened that my share as editor has 
reduced itself to the revision of the press (a task which you will 
better estimate if you ever undertake it) ; the suggestion of occa- 
sional corrections, which have been few, there having been few 
wanted ; and these very short unfortunate notes, unfortunate in 
your reception of them and in the light in which you have been 
led to consider them; whether otherwise unfortunate, publication 
will be the best proof. They assuredly will not appear to lead 
any judgment which does not wish to be led by them ; they are 
not prefixed but subjoined to the poems. The poem to which each 
is attached will have been read before the note is seen, if at 
all seen. Of course, as to the octavos and quartos, you and Mr. 
Hood do as you please. You will omit the notes entirely if you 
like better. I only will do nothing with them but what I have. 
I will put them into no other form. The fable of the man and 
his three sons travelling over the bridge is a good lesson, and 
my experience confirms it. The first thing is to do what we 
think right. If those whom it concerns cannot think with us, 
life is not to be worn out with fruitless experiments and en- 
deavours at new modes to please ; those who can be pleased are 
commonly pleased at first by those who endeavour it with sin- 
cerity. I am very glad ' The Shepherd and his Dog ' will be in 
( The Mirror.' Though I do not like Mr. Hood, I like that publi- 
cation. I have had the pleasure of seeing a sonnet, and a 
charming one, by Miss Finch, transplanted from it into the 
6 Morning Chronicle ;' not by me, for I am not connected with 
the editor, but by the good taste of the editor, and of some who 
are. 'Market Night ' and e The Shepherd and his Dog Eover ' 
would furnish two excellent subjects for wood engraving. I 
did not say writing notes on your poems deprived me of a 
pleasure ; but I said, or meant to be understood, that I wrote 
them, and often revised the proofs, at times of such anxiety and 
agitation that there are not many things but that I would will- 
ingly have done in those moments. You introduce the epithet 
( scoundrel ' in a manner that astonishes me. You will find a 
parcel for you at Mr. Walker's, containing Mr. Black's poem on 
the ' Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus,' with some other poetical 
pieces, which I desire you to accept. You say that no doubt I 
mean your good. I wish my judgment as well as my meaning 
were somewhat in credit with you. Probably you will be dis- 
pleased that I should remind you to make the proper entry as 
author in Stationers' Hall, previously to this publication, and of 
your transfer of the moiety of your copyright to Mr. Hood. I 
repeat again that, without this, neither you nor he are protected 
in the copyright if anyone chooses to interfere. 

I remain yours, &c. C. Lofft. 

Troston: Oct. 28, 1801. 



I 



EOBEKT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 15 

16. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

Saturday Night, Oct. 31, 1801. 
Dear Greorge, — I am still more and more behind in my gossip 
with you, and have not a satisfactory apology. I am writing 
6 An Ode to Perplexity,' and never was anything better timed. 
I have been disappointed and vexed as to Isaac's songs. I want 
very sadly to tell you all that has passed from Troston; it would 
take a volume. I send to your particular care and perusal five 
letters on a very interesting subject; don't show them, but send 
them to me again without spreading the news at Bury, as you 
see the dispute is still undetermined. I am not afraid but I 
shall get through it. Look at the enclosed for Mr. Lofft; 
observe the engravings. Eosy Hannah by moonlight is beauty's 
own self, and to be cut on wood is really surprising. Did you 
see my lines on ' Peace ? ' Mr. Lofft calls it an ode ; it is added 
to the preface. I sent a copy to Euston, and had a very cordial 
reply. I wrote last week to Mrs. Philips at Barton; shall break- 
fast to-morrow with Mr. Eogers. They print 5,000 of a pocket 
size, 500 quartos (at 10s. 6d.), 1,500 octavos. Grlad shall I be 
when it is out ! ! ! If I have a whole levee of visitors then, I shall 
not have to say, ' It will be so many weeks or so many months,' 
but simply, ( 'Tis done, here it is.' I have at last seen all the 
pieces in the volume printed as I pleased ; I shall send you a 
list of what I have rejected and what alterations I have adopted. 
Pray say to Kitty that I meant to write to her now ; I have not 
forgot her love nor her conversation ; tell her she will never know 
till she is a farmer's boy what tasks I have to perform, and how 
I am obliged to wriggle amongst a quarrelling set of candidates 
for fame and candidates for money — two pretty things enough 
if we can get them peaceably. 

Sunday Morning. 
The notes in dispute I regard as very high praise from Mr. 
Lofft. But, as every soul who has mentioned the appendix to 
6 The Farmer's Boy' has staggered sadly at the dismissal story 
introduced by my friend, so do I know that the placing the 
notes now will in many produce ridicule. You see I must 
abide the consequence. The public will at least know that I 
did not write them. And I have acquitted myself. 

EOBEKT. 

1 7. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

Thursday Night, Nov. 5, 1801. 
Dear Greorge, — You will not refuse to do me a kind office. 
You know the anxiety I formerly felt on the subject of the pre- 
face and appendix to 'The Farmer's Boy' when they were 



16 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

objected to; (the preface, as originally written, I never heard 
anything against) and yon know that, presuming on my cor- 
respondence with Mr. LofTt, I had incurred almost his displeasure 
by communicating as much as I dare of the matter. In this 
present publication I begged the same original friend to see the 
pieces which had his approbation through the press. It un- 
fortunately happened that the notes to this volume did not meet 
the opinion of people here as to their situation. I presumed 
on the friendship of Mr. LofTt and ventured to tell him. The 
consequence has been, that I am forbidden to write to Troston. 
My last letter informed him that the volume would now be 
printed as intended by him, with the notes attached to each 
piece ; for I had ventured to suggest the putting the notes at 
the end, which Mr. LofTt will not agree to. Remember, the 
dispute is not about the exclusion of the notes or of Mr. Lofftfs 
name ; no one has thought of such a thing ; but 'tis whether it 
be prudent to place notes at the foot of each piece, or at the 
end. I, in a private letter to Troston, forewarned my once 
friend of this opinion, which I know existed, and I have lost 
him ! My wish is, then, that you will somehow, as I must not, 
let Mr. Lofft know that this day the publisher has been to the 
printer's, and ordered the notes to stand at the end of the 
volume. I was not consulted ; and if I had, must in truth have 
answered that I had brought myself into trouble by the men- 
tion of it. As I know that Mr. Lofft does not consider the 
notes in their present shape fit to stand at the end ; and he has 
desired me to strike them and his name out of the work ; and 
as I wish most assuredly not to do any such thing, will you 
ask him to say to you, as he has discarded me, whether he has 
any particular dislike to the notes appearing at the end in their 
present shape, and whether he will calmly reflect on it and say 
the same in some other shape? You see, Greorge, that I am 
driven to this dilemma. By Mr. Lofft's refusal to alter the 
'place of the notes, I must either suffer them to be printed at 
the end against his consent, or he will withdraw his name 
entirely from it. I have acted in the best manner I am able. 
It is a distressing situation. Pray say to this effect, or copy 
thus far of this letter, and give me news on this head as soon 
as you can.* You know that i, and I only, prevented the 
striking out of some of the matter from e The Farmer's Boy.' 
I found that I must meet what I now meet if I suffered it". I 
must now oppose Hood to the utmost if I wish to please at 
Troston. This I will not do ! ! but take my chance ; my friend 9 
perhaps, will turn enemy. But while I keep conscience in 
health, I have a mine that will never grow poor. 

Copy this letter for him down to the *, but no further ; and 
remember, for that is one principal point for which I write, 
pray let the parcel with the five letters be here on Saturday 
night, instead of Monday. 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 17 

18. Robert Bloomfteld to George Bloomfield. 

London : Nov. 30, 1801. 
Dear George, — With ink from the India-House and good 
pen, I set about informing you of some of the many particulars 
that have occupied my whole attention lately. I have written 
largely to Mr. Lofft since our last communication, and hope 
that all will go on smooth yet. He still insists on my leaving 
out all mention of him in the preface of the large copies ; and 
I (though I dare not tell him so) as certainly mean to disobey 
the order. Mr. Lofft accuses me of want of firmness. I*have 
had to exert my firmness in a matter and in a manner which 
with him cannot procure me credit, because he is not likely to 
know it. In this sixth edition of 'The Farmer's B03V a plan 

was laid by Mr. , principally, and by Mr. Hood, to strike 

out some matters from the appendix. This task was under- 
taken, with a considerable degree of vanity, by Mr. , who 

himself, in a copy of ' Giles,' marked out a great deal of matter 
which certainly has been much disapproved — I mean the poli- 
tical notes of Mr. Lofft, and what he introduced relative to his 
dismissal from office ; but he did not strike out the high com- 
pliment paid by Mr. L. to himself, though he did the whole of 
what was written by Swan as to my manner of composition. 
All this was bold assumption on the part of Mr. , and I dis- 
liked it. At that moment I stood so with Mr. L. that had I per- 
mitted it to go on, the blame would have fallen on me, and not 
on them. Mr. Lofft would have said (perhaps publicly) that I had 
not only offended in relation to the new volume, but had most 
ungratefully set him aside in the original publication. In this 
situation I had to act, not merely to wish, my part ; the conse- 
quence was weighty, and I had never tried my power before. 
I wrote on Friday to Mr. Hood, stating that any omission noiv, 
as my correspondence stood with Mr. L., would involve me in 
censures, which, however innocent I might be, would stick to 
my public character and damn my reputation ; adding that the 
ensuing edition by Swan should be a copy of the last edition, 
&c. I mentioned nothing about money ; but you see his 
answer (inclosed) mentions it, and is in all points highly satis- 
factory. The fifth and sixth edition of ' Giles ' comprise toge- 
ther 10,000 copies, the new work 7,000, so that I have at any 
rate to share the profits of 17,000 books, for which (at full 
price) the public, if they are goodnatured enough to buy them, 
will pay no less than 36,025/. ! I have felt sad, and uncommon 
trouble of mind ; and I doubt it is not over yet. I am writing 
a fair copy of ' The Farmer's Boy,' exactly as you saw it in 
MS., and marking the alterations made by Mr. Lofft, and add- 
ing notes of information, &c. This I do, that as I have not 
the original, something in my own hand may be found here- 
after ; and I do it too to improve my handwriting : I shall have 

c 



18 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

it bound carefully. I have by me the real original MSS. of 
the new volume, and shall bind them too. The printers say 
now that it will not be out before Christmas ; but 1 think that 
it will. 

■3C- * ■£ -K- * ■& 

No dying lover in a romance ever longed for the bridal-day 
more sincerely or fervently than I do for the birth of my 
volume. You can hardly conceive how great a relief it will be to 
my mind when I can throw it down to them and say, ( There it 
is.' I shall hope to send books in next month's parcel. 
■ "* • * -x- * ■* ■* 

A pocket-book for next year, entitled ' The Pocket Atlas,' 
contains twenty-four beautiful engravings from ' Giles,' de- 
signed by Stothard. 

I send you my story of ' Imagination.' I have copied it, and 
copied what Mr. L. would have added and withdrawn. I think 
you will not wonder at my rejecting it. I wish you may find 
patience to look it through and return it. 

I lose much time in going to the printer's daily. I can do 
but little work, if my mind was happy enough to try. My pre- 
sent amusement is writing a child's book — ' The History of 
Little Davy's New Hat,' — dedicated to my mother ; but have 
sent Isaac the remaining profit on 'Rosy Hannah ;' I hope it 
will come seasonably. I had better defer my 'triumphant 
letter ' till the reviewers have done with me ; but I have now 
no material fears. 

*--***-* "X- 

You can hardly judge how great a difference there is to be 
found even amongst professed admirers of me and my ( Tales : ' 
pedants, who dive and peep as a crow would after a grub ; 
labouring poets, who insist that nothing good was ever pro- 
duced without labouring at it, writing and rewriting, and 
writing over and over again ; grammarians, who judge more 
of points and constructions than of sense and spirit and anima- 
tion ; with a dozen other queer fellows and characters, who would 
plague one confoundedly if I was once to begin to mind them. 
These I keep in the background, and oppose nothing to argu- 
ment but fact. When they- talk of labour, I produce them 
' Old Kate and her Children ;' if they were to set about labour- 
ing them into elegance, I doubt they would rub off their polish, 
the same polish that you see when you break a flint — its 
natural colour. 

I must leave abruptly, (rood night ! 

Yours, 

Eobert. 



I 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK FOET. 19 

19. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

Thursday Night, Dec. 17, 1801. 

Dear Greorge, — I had the parcel this morning : so much for 
that. Yesterday I met at Lord Buchan's two or three other 
notable characters — Sir John Sinclair, Mr. Stevens, and three 
sons of Councillor Erskine (fine boys), who came to see their 
uncle, Lord Buchan. Lord B. was very conversant ; he is 
about sixty, but surprisingly active and brilliant in conversa- 
tion. He asked me for a sight of some of the pieces x)f the 
coming volume ; but this not being possible, Mr, Park intimated 
that I could recite one. He fixed on ' Richard and Kate,' which* 
I spoke with more effect than usual, for the water made its 
passage at my eyes, and I dare not stop ; so I dashed through 
it. Lord Buchan rose and shook my hand violently, and said 
several things which even to me were new compliments. Dined 
at Mr. Park's. Had through ignorance, and neglect, and vexa- 
tion, and two or three other Bloomfieldisms, omitted to stamp 
my agreements with Mr. Hood ; thought that a month was the 
limited time ; but on presenting them at the Stamp Office, found 
they had exceeded twenty-one days, and could not be stamped 
without paying a penalty of 51. Glorious news for a man half 
crazy already ! Stated this yesterday to Mr. Park, who being 
acquainted with — Bindley, Esq., one of the commissioners, we 
called there last night, and I was ordered to bring the papers 
to him this morning at eleven. I called for your parcel, and 
opened it in the street. Was glad to find money as well as notes, 
for my time was short. Went to the Stamp Office, and got the 
agreements stamped without the penalty, but paid the regular 
twenty shillings. Huzza ! ! 

If you hear any more stories, tell them that three years will 
produce me 1,000?., besides 1501. in considerations. Tell them 
that I have signed and exchanged agreements for my children's 
sake ; that for fourteen years I have to expect a good annuity ; 
and tell 'em that if I live fourteen years the whole is my own 
again. And lastly tell 'em, dam' 'em — for I don't care nothing 
about 'em, &c, &c, &c. 

Seriously, Greorge, the only way in which I, or any other 
author, may be cheated wholesale, is in the publisher's printing 
more copies than he accounts for to me. Don't, for Grod's sake, 
meet troubles ; they come fast enough. I have done my best, 
and my conscience is clear ; but you may perceive that I have 
been hampered strangely. All well ; the worst is over. 

R. Bloomfield. 



20 SELECTIONS FEOM THE COKKESPONDENCE OF 

20. Robert Bloomfield to Dr. Drake. 

London : Jan. 8, 1802. 
Sir, — Remembering with peculiar pleasure the entertain- 
ment I found at Hadleigh, and your previous service and good 
wishes to me and my cause, I beg to renew the remembrance 
of good deeds, and to be allowed to gratify myself by sending 
}^ou a small volume, and likewise one for the good lady at 
whose table I was so happy, and whose goodwill I very much 
wish to retain. My family are but very so-so ; neither am I 
quite well. What think you of the Vaccine? Is it not a 
4glorious cause ? 

Most truly and respectfully, Sir, 

Your obedient, humble servant, 

Robert Bloomfield. 

21. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

London: Jan. 11, 1802. 
Dear Greorge, — You will be out of all patience. But stroke 
your beard, and lift your leg, and rejoice. I send some of each 
size ; present as many as you think proper. I here send three, 
which you will let Kitty deliver directly. Let my mother have 
a quarto, and Isaac and Kitty each an octavo from me. I can- 
not write to them; I am almost ashamed to say. so; but it is 
true. I sent a copy to Mr. Fox, who sent me a very polite and 
agreeable letter in reply. I breakfasted again with Lord B., 
and carried a pair of shoes to be sent to Edinburgh to Lady 
B. with 'Emma's Kid,' addressed to Lady Buchan. Eecited 
6 Richard ' a third time. This day received a very flattering 
letter from Dr. Drake. 

Take notice, the anxiety I felt for the publication of the poems 
was not so much for fear of their fate, as for the wish I had to 
have the bustle over of sending them thus to so many places. I 
am a.ll in the midst of it. I send to-night to Stamford, Leicester, 
and Castle Donington, and have been to four places this morn- 
ing. Delivered one to Mr. Addington last week before I heard 
Mr. Lofft's opinion, which proves to be to the contrary. I sent 
through your hands one for him, and one for the Duke; Mr. L. 
almost abuses the large copies, and greatly prefers the small 
size ; the reason, perhaps, may be found all along the bottom 
of the said small copies in C. L.'s, &c, and he stands alone com- 
pletely in censuring the portrait ; those who know me best and 
see me talk, are struck with the ' character,' as they call it ; it 
is the first and the only one that gives the idea of a little 
fellow. I like it much, but left Mr. L. to judge without tell- 
ing my own notion. I find that I was excused 101. instead of 
51. in stamping the agreements ; and I presented a copy to 



I 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 21 

Commissioner Bindley last week. Lord Saltown (whoever he is) 
took one large copy on Sunday at Lord B.'s. 

ft**-* # * 

EOBEKT. 

22. Robert Bloomfield to his Mother. 

London : Jan. 31, 1802. 

Dear Mother, 

****&■# 

I have letters from Mr. Fox and from Lord Buchan, which I 
hope you will one day see, — from Dr. Drake of Hadleigh, Mr. 
Smith and Mr. Mills of Bury, Mr. Gilchrist of Stamford, and 
others, all relating to my new volume, and all in high com- 
mendation. I sell.a great many books myself, on which I have 
a good profit. I yesterday received from Mrs. Philips, 2>l. lis. 
for books she has sold for me, and left with her others to the 
amount of 81. and upwards ; and, calling on Mr. Stonehewer, he 
insisted on paying me for a large copy by giving me a 51. note. 
The public interest and admiration seems to be as much raised 
by this publication as by the first ; and in my own mind, and 
in the common and moderate way of reckoning, I shall at least 
have to receive in the next two years, 8001. or 9001. I have 
left near 200Z. due to me on the books, arising from the first 
four editions, and I have to receive the half profits of 10,000 
copies of ' The Farmer's Boy,' being the fifth and sixth editions 
(the last is now printed), to which must be added my whole 
expectations on this second work, of which 7,000 copies are 
printed, and another edition will certainly be wanted. This 
statement, though true, I do not wish to be made public, which 
you and Kitty and all of you will remember. Grod grant that 
you may live long enough to be essentially benefited by a part 
of it. This is not counting any chickens before they are hatched ; 
they actually are hatched, but not all brought to market. 
* * * * * * 

E. Bloomfield. 

Monday Night. 

Since writing the above, I have had a letter from Mr. LofTt at 
Yarmouth ; it contained a one-pound note for me, a present 
from Mr. Grreen of Ipswich, for the pleasure he found in read- 
ing ' Eichard and Kate.' This identical note I send for you, so 
that its ride from Ipswich to Yarmouth, and from Yarmouth to 
London, and from London to you, only proves that, as a Suffolk 
ballad made it mine, it ought to be spent in Suffolk. 



22 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

23. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

London : Jan. 81, 1802. 
Dear Greorge, 

Lord Buchan is an eccentric character ; you will find so by 
his letter. He has nearly lost the sight of one eye. There is a 
kind of benevolent wildness in his manner, and an amazing 
vivacity in his conversation. You will find a copy of my letter 
to him and his reply. Mr. Lofft will forward them to you again. 
You may keep the copy of Lord B.'s letter if you like, but 
send me the copy of mine to him ; I must not lose it. Did I 
say that I had a letter from Mr. Smith, your neighbour, and 
one from the Eeverend Mr. Mills ? The latter gentleman thanks 
me for a copy of the poems which he says J sent him, You 
can give me a light here, as to how far you used my name, that 
in case of my replying I may run into no inconsistency^. I 
once sent you a boy, who has turned out extremely well. I 
send you another something younger, and wish you to deal thus 
with him : keep him amongst you till the 9th of March ; I am 
almost afraid to let him pass through Mr. L.'s hands, but send 
it to hinr* with the request that he would forward it to my 
mother, who, as well as Kitty, may read it in a month, and 
then let me have it again ; don't make mention of it except in 
your letters to me, for I know not yet if I have to dread ridicule 
or hope for praise. 

Mr. Lofft's last says, ' Mr. Dingle has sold a hundred of the 
" Tales," and sent for another hundred in doubt whether he 
shall get them before the impression is all sold off.' I am not 
sure that they sell so fast as that, but they sell quite fast 
enough. I yesterday read your letter to Mrs. Philips ; I was 
there, as you will see by my mother's letter. The good old 
auditor of the excise called on me, but I was out. I waited on 
him, and made a good day's work altogether. The Duke will 
be in town in a week or ten days. You may [the remainder of 
this letter has been cut off]. 

24. Robert Bloomfield to the Earl of Buchan. 

City Boad, London : Feb. 16, 1802. 
My Lord, — Your solicitude, so kindly expressed, for my suc- 
cess and reputation, demands acknowledgments and thanks 
such as do not always come readily to the nib of my pen, but 
lie skulking about my heart in various shapes and colours, 
refusing to be brought forward but by force, and then, like 
many other forced fruits, are apt to come from my hand very 
imperfectly and without relish. I cannot write formal epistles. 

* I don't mean you to send Davy to Troston now. A week hence will be 
time enough. 



ROBEKT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 23 

I thank your Lordship for your letter, and shall henceforth, 
when the spirit moves me, poetically or otherwise, obey the 
impulse, and transmit the news of the moment. 

Your Lordship's invitation to the shades of Dryburgh is 
noble. I have ardent wishes on that point, and have some 
reasons which rise up against their completion, two of which 
are — Burns is dead, or I might have seen him — I am married. 

The 5,000 small copies of my ' Kural Tales ' are nearly sold, 
and the publisher talks of a second edition very soon. 

Sometimes I have seen the clouds move majestically slow, 
leaving one opening through which the sun looks down upon a 
field, and even seems to dwell on one forward field-flower with 
peculiar fondness ; but he leaves it, and shines upon another. 
The sunshine of fortune, when vertical, may perhaps require an 
umbrella, but|if it is given to Prudence to hold, I hope she will 
suffer me to be warm and to retain both heat and light whenever 
the goddess thinks proper to withdraw. 

I have a letter from Sir J. B. Burgess, and some other tokens 
of approbation from other quarters. 

We have two guests in the house whose value we overlook 
too often until they leave us — Health and Happiness. 

The buds in some places are already out, but the wind now 
rushing from * Nova Zembla, or the Lord knows where,' will 
damp their ardour. I love news from Scotland, but I wish the 
wind would blow from France. 

Yours, &c. 

Robert Bloomfield. 
To Earl Buchan. 



25. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

City Road : May 3, 1802. 
Dear Greorge, — For some months past I have threatened to 
write largely to you on several subjects which interest my feel- 
ings and engage my thoughts, but I have hitherto been unable 
to do it. I have now been writing to Troston and have but 
little time to talk to you as usual. By reading the Troston 
letters you will gain much information. I am dog-sick of this 
uproar of wonderment and peeping curiosity. My rheumatism 
plagues me sadly. 

I send you two reviews of my ' Tales,' and in one you will 
find Holloway's poem spoken of. Send them back at nine 
o'clock : Nat has not seen them. 

# * ■* * * _ # 

The * Monthly ' and e Critical ' are yet to come, perhaps next 
month. Southey wrote the article respecting 'The Farmer's 
Boy,' which appeared in the ( Critical ; ' and most likely will 
have the same task as to the i Tales.' I am not afraid of any 
of them now ; the worst is past. 



24 SELECTIONS FEOM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

Forward the enclosed to Dr. P ; it is to request the return 

of a scrap about Pope's willow. 

Yours, 

Robert. 

26. Robert Bloomfteld to the Earl of Buchan. 

City Road : May 13, 1802. 

My Lord, — Not having seen my kind friend Mr. Gr. Dyer 
since receiving your lordship's letter. I have not heard of any 
arrangement for a meeting on the 12th of next month ; should 
it take place no one shall greet the day with more sincerity than 
myself. Perhaps some future day may favour me with an in- 
terview with Mr. Campbell, though at present I have been dis- 
appointed. I have lately dined in company with Mrs. Barbauld, 
and had an offer from a gentleman then present of a perusal of 
'The Bee;' but, though I hate to be always complaining, I 
must, in justice to myself, say that a month's sharp conflict with 
the rheumatism has lately deranged my reading, and sometimes 
my patience, but I have little now to complain of. Mr. Park 
is w r ell, and I am proud to rank him amongst my friends. 

By a good-natured but absolute compulsion — i. e., a lady's in- 
vitation — I made one among the merry faces at Ranelagh on 
Monday night ; my wife was with me. Being new to us both, it 
could not fail to please in its principal features. The moon 
illuminated the trees, and was powerfully assisted by a blaze of 
lamps at the end of the water. The discharge of fireworks had 
a greater effect than I w r as prepared to expect ; I was delighted, 
and henceforward shall have a greater reverence for gunpowder 
(when thus used) than I have hitherto had. But when the 
watch came to point two hours after midnight, and we lumbered 
home in a coach, meeting the sweet light of the morning, my 
eyes and my conscience told me I should have been in bed. I 
could not help thinking of the account of the weasel in Bewick's 
Quadrupeds : f It passes the greatest part of the day in sleeping, 
and usually employs the night in exercise and eating.' And 
though, my lord, I feel myself a weasel's superior, still I do not 
think that the enjoyment would be improved by a repetition. I 
felt myself out of my element. It is a pity to put a thousand 
pretty faces into so small a circle ; there is not room to look at 
them. A flock certainly looks better in a flowery field than in 
a fold, and they differ from the ladies in this — they require 
driving into prison, the ladies go without. 

In immediate reference to myself I must add, that a second 
edition of my i Rural Tales ' is now on sale, and all seems to go 
well. 

Perhaps I may be wrong in sending this to Dryburgh, but as 
Edinburgh is beyond the destination, I have ventured to sup- 






EOBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 25 

pose that this sheet will be soon, and favourably, received by 
your lordship, from your most obedient servant, 

ROBEKT BLOOMFIELD. 

The Earl of Bucn.au, London. 

27. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

London : Sunday Evening, May 30, 1802. 

Dear Greorge, — How often I have threatened to write to you 
in such a strain as to admit of free observation, and to give you 
the characters of about fifty persons whose names I have, and 
may hereafter have occasion to mention in my letters ; it would 
only be giving you necessary information. At other times I 
have looked out themes for a monthly exchange of sentiments 
between us, conducted with the freedom of friendship, and a 
total exclusion of satire. All these self promises have failed, in 
consequence of that perpetual round of — alack ! — exercise, book-' 
selling, thinking, visiting, and composing, with which I have 
long been surrounded. 

I thank you for your comical poem, and should have ac- 
knowledged it before. I have just read to Nat the 6 Star's ' 
account of the bull-baiting in the House of Commons, and I 
here send you a paper containing such extracts from different 
prints as may perhaps be entertaining to you ; pray send it to 
me again. It was long ago expected that some public notice 
would be taken of Mr. Lofft's reflections in the prefatory part of 

6 The Farmer's Boy.' The lot has fallen to Mr. . I think ■ 

the poor people of England have very little cause to thank him 
for his compliment on the score of their capabilities and pur- 
suits. We might as well be totally without minds, for he seems 
to doubt the propriety of exerting them, or of making any inward 
store of pleasure for ourselves. So much of this speech is the 
most unadulterated aristocracy that I have ever seen. I cannot 
help thinking what an opposition of sentiment would be ex- 
pressed between Mr. W and Mr. Southey, both perhaps 

extraordinary men ; the latter all fire and zeal in the cause of 
information and perfectibility! All things are to be accom- 
plished by teaching; passions that have their foundation in 
nature are to be rendered tractable and tame; all are to be 
wonderfully wrought upon by instruction ! whereas thousands 
of us are absolutely incapable of being taught. Some never 
learn even to scrub a room or to poke a fire, and with whom no 
new or improved practice, even in trifles, can turn the bent of 
early and narrow impressions. These would make wonderful 
progress in their great work, the Empire of Mind, as they call 
it. In general information I think there is this great advan- 
tage. As (rod has given us all souls of some sort or other, with- 
out any regard to wealth or station, general information in a 
humble degree, a dispersion of total ignorance, is the way to let 



26 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

such souls as have the power emerge to observation, and perhaps 
to actual service to their country, but it does not create such 
souls. If all the natural talents of a country are drawn into 
action, and if great talents be an ornament to the age in which 
they appear, then the system of general instruction seems calcu- 
lated to produce in some measure that end; for if a heap of 
rough stones were ordered to be polished, and workmen were 
employed for that purpose, they would find some porous, some 
brittle, some that would take a polish, and some on which 
labour would be thrown away, and, in short, find, as Rowe says, 
that 

Unless souls, which differ like human faces, 

Were alike in all, &c. 

the polish would not be alike in all. The great heap of stones 
mentioned by Mr. Windham, i.e., the common people of his 
native country, are a rough set no doubt; but I dislike the 
doctrine of keeping them in their dirt, for though it holds good 
as to the preservation of potatoes, it would be no grateful reflec- 
tion to good minds to know that a man's natural abilities had 
been smothered for want of being able to read and write. How 
can we consistently praise the inestimable blessing of letters and 
not wish to extend it? Or why should the great and the 
wealthy confine the probable production of intellectual excel- 
lence to their own class, and exclude, by withholding the polish, 
all that might amongst the poor by nature be intended to 
• be Newtons and Lockes ? I mean only by what I have said 
about perfectibility to let you know that I deem it wise, and 
deem it our duty to instruct, and to give every mind exercise, 
that it may enjoy pleasure from it if capable ; but that this 
doctrine of teaching, when pushed to the strange expectation 
of the capability of the means (powerful as it is) to effect a 
change in the principles of nature, is wrong ; for though I look 
not on the human heart through the dark spectacles of Calvinism, 
I doubt we shall always find innate covetousness and innate 
ambition the parents of crimes. But I might write thus to the 
end of my life, and then leave something unsaid. 

Mr. W.'s argument as to hunting and shooting has some 
truth in it ; but they will not bear perhaps a close comparison 
with bull-baiting, and after all our pity for animals I must 
think that when Mr. Sheridan said that ' we do not learn lessons 
of good from animals when forced and taught to be enemies to 
each other,' that it does not strictly apply to bull- baiting, for 
(though I never saw a baiting) I can believe that the dog at least 
likes it and seeks it ; and as to the fox-hounds, my uncle kept a 
puppy of the Duke of Grafton's, who used to absent himself in 
the woods alone for a whole day in pursuit of game : he was 
ordered to be confined, that he might not run the flesh off his 
bones. And, after all, I doubt not but Sir Richard, and perhaps 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 27 

Mr. Wilberforce too, have travelled post and caused more pain 
to two or four generous animals subjected to man's tyranny, 
than ever a bull in England felt from dogs. 

I feel much obliged to Mr. Windham for so high an expres- 
sion of approbation as to myself, though perhaps here I may be 
allowed to say that his doctrine and his illustration are rather 
at variance. And really I think it best to let those read and 
think who find a pleasure in it. 

I had a shopmate once, who, in this great city, was con- 
nected with bull-baiting and its followers — that was his plea- 
sure ; but neither he nor Mr. W. would ever make it mine ! 
If we Bloomfields apply Mr. W.'s advice to ourselves, we may 
say, where is the wisdom of saying that the little sons of a 
little tailor should amuse themselves with athletic exercises ? If 
we happen to think a moral page a better object to admire than 
the frizzled forehead of a bull, and like the ascending of a lark in 

preference to the mounting of a bull-dog, what has Mr. W 

to do with it? 

My dear little Muse, come along ! and we'll mount up to 
heaven ; and when out of sight and hearing of the athletic 
school, look down upon the spot, and call to mind the littleness 
of the strong sinew and the bully's voice. The grave will 
swallow them and their deeds ! and thou wilt not give them the 
most glorious crown of mortal triumph — a name amongst the 
advocates of moral good, and the feelings that teach us charity ! 
And now, after this flourish, I come down to terra firma 
again, to speak a word of Nat's new poem, ( The Culprit.' 
Though I am not called upon for my opinion, I cannot resist 
the impulse that tells me to declare my wonder at the surpris- 
ing strength of mind evinced in the new and hasty sketch of 
an interesting subject. The stanzas are, some of them, not quite 
music, and this he will no doubt admit. I have been wiping 
my eyes over it ; but perhaps brothers should not be critics on 
brothers' works, nor be trusted in their plaudits. 

I have just left 'Little Davy' at the great house in Picca- 
dilly. Yesterday brought me a very kind letter from Troston, 
mentioning that a Mr. Langshaw, of Lancaster, had set my 
' Winter Song,' and that a copy is sent to Mr. Lofft. Thus you 
see that Mr. Gruest is not alone. By Isaac's wishing so much 
to find a musical Lofft, one would think that he is sensible of 
defects, or dubious of trusting wholly to himself; and yet he 
argues that my showing them to professional men, in constant 
habit of playing in concert, is not the right way of proceeding. 
I wish to Grod I could find him one ; but as I have now found 
it too late to insert an advertisement in the poems, and have 
sung ' Rover,' accompanied with a violin and violoncello — the 
latter by a practitioner in the bass — and they all agreed unani- 
mously as to the merit of the tune, but as unanimously agreed 
that imperfections and errors exist in the bass of this song, and 



28 SELECTIONS FKOM THE COKRESPONDENCE OF 

of ' Lucy,' this must be proved and remedied before they can 
be printed, unless Isaac would wish to have them to stand 
untouched, which was more than I could or wished to say to 
Mr. L. as to ' The Farmer's Boy.' It is very certain that I 
could have ordered them to be engraved as they stand ; but 
would not Isaac rather have this said noiv than after publica- 
tion ? As I am no musician myself, these things said are dis- 
agreeable ; because if I insist upon it they are not defective, it 
would do the cause hurt. Everybody persuades me to print 
them, and says that anyone in the habit of composing will cor- 
rect the bass for us. I am still acting contrary to Isaac's opi- 
nion ; for I have hopes of seeing Mr. Shield to know from 
undoubted authority whether they are imperfect or not, before 
anything can reasonably be resolved on. 

I send the 'Critical Review' for your inspection, and can 
say almost for a certainty that the article respecting myself is 
written by Mr. Southey. Send it back to me. But if you can 
find that the paper containing the statements of Mr. W.'s 
speech would be welcome at Troston, so be it; and then send 
it back next month. 

I did not see the Duke to-day, but expect a letter very 
shortly. 

Excuse me to my mother, and remember us to your wife 
and children. 

Yours, Robert Bloomfield. 

28. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

City Road, London : June 23, 1802. 
Dear Greorge, 

* ■* ■* -* -jf ■* 

I have seen Mr. Shield ; he is a man simple and unaffected 
in his manners to a striking degree, and ready to assist where 
he can. I showed him the songs, and left them with him; he 
sa} r s they want some trifling amendment in the bass, which he 
will do. Then asking if the three which I gave him were all 
Isaac had composed, I produced the sketch of ( The Highland 
Drover.' This he seems to think adapted for Incledon's voice, 
and when I repeated the words he was more confirmed in the 
notion. I left them all, and shall hear from him soon. 

Mr. Shield was so pleased with my ( Poll Rayner,' that he 
has set it long ago, and has it by him (perhaps unfinished). 

Rob and Mary Bloomfield. 

29. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

Wednesday, July 21, 1802. 
Dear Greorge, 

* * * -x- * * 

I have seen Dr. Jenner, and his kindness almost induced me 



KOBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 29 

to show him the little progress I have made in pursuit of his 
subject ; but I suddenly determined to the contrary, and 
doubted of the propriety of so doing. Your observations on 
the possibility of my composing a pastoral drama, and your 
hints as to proper materials, &c, are extremely interesting. 
Mr. Shield suggested that something of that sort might be 
done. You have awakened the wish rather than the hope of 
ever succeeding in that line. What do I know about stage 
effect ? Nevertheless, I have no doubt but I could tie a story 
together that should speak my own sentiments and feelings, 
and of course you would like to see it. You are, I know well, 
aware of how much depends on choice of subject. 

I expect to go next week to my new employment. 

This moment a letter from Dr. Jenner invites me to tea this 
evening. What shall I do — leave 150 lines of an unfinished 
subject in his hands ? I am bound to consult Mr. Lofft and 
the Duke, and. to submit my pieces to their judgment, and 
never will do otherwise ; and yet it is hard to say no in such 
cases as this. I wish he would suspend his curiosity six months, 
and I would take my chance. He is a very amiable man, and 
perhaps rates my abilities too high. He is an enthusiast in his 
pursuit, and well he may, when it is taken up by every country 
in Europe, and by the poor Cherokees of America. The bless- 
ing is surely immensely great ! and has features of an uncom- 
mon kind. Did you ever give it your serious consideration ? 
or am I upon a wrong scent ? Do I 

■ fault'ring quit the pack, 



Snuff the foul scent, and hasten yelping back ? 

I pray Grod send it the confirmation of experience ! and the 
gratitude of suffering humanity must follow, whether the cause 
is aided or not by the humble efforts of your affectionate 
brother, Bob. 

30. Robert Bloomfield to the Right Hon. C. J. Fox. 

Sir, — An obscure man, who has great reason to boast of your 
approbation of his pieces in MS., ventures to leave in your 
hands, as one of his greatest triumphs, an early copy of the 
same pieces ; and to know that you will not disdain to peruse 
them is an unspeakable gratification to, 

Sir, your most devoted and very humble servant, 

Robert Bloomfield, 

Near the Shepherd and. Shepherdess, City Koad, London. 



30 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

31. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

London : Feb. 29, 1803. 
Dear George,— Last week was remarkable for a combina- 
tion of vexations and unexpected troubles. 

* * * *'•*'' * 

On Friday, the day after the holidays, I expected a busy day 
at the Seal Office, and so I found it with a vengeance. I had 
eaten no breakfast, and the mob of lawyers made me perfectly 
savage. At one o'clock we shut the office, but shut in between 
forty and fifty people, and did not get through the work for 
three-quarters of an hour after one. I then grew faint, and 
knew if I walked home to the City Eoad that my wind and 
indigestion would get the upper hand of my stomach, and 
T should eat no dinner ; so I put in to the cook's in Salisbury 
Court and eat heartily. By this time there was no time to go 
home and then to Temple Bar again by four o'clock ; so I 
sulked away the time in St. Greorge's Fields, and then took 
another three hours' mobbing at the office, having sealed during 
the day nearly 1,100 writs, by far the busiest day (if Mr. 

A is to be credited) that has occurred for eight years past, 

Eeturned to my sick house, tired and insufferably disgusted. 
At home I found a letter from Troston, not quite the thing, 
and your most melancholy tidings ; and, to crown all, a young 
man in the neighbourhood forced on me a MS. book of poems 
for me to read and to give my judgment of, which accorded with 
the feelings of the moment, being a doleful string of elegies as 
black as midnight. This I shall call Black Friday. Another 
trifle had displeased me. I had found in the ' Morning Chronicle ' 
a bit of news 'put there by some fool or other, that e Bloom- 
field, the poet, has been recently appointed to a handsome 
situation in the Seal Office in the Temple : thus he has not 
courted the Muses unsuccessfully.' Your letter made it still 
worse by showing me that Peter had either originally printed 
this wonderful piece of news, or else had made it worse by 
adding to it what is as false as the ' Chronicle's ' ' handsome 
appointment ' is ridiculous. This story has served the ' Herald ' 
two days, the first to say I was there, and the next to say I had 
resigned it ! 'Tis useless to be angry ; but if the asses that meddle 
with another man's business before they know it were buried 
three times as deep as your poor wife, I would not wear black 

for them. What Gr says in his paper is false, thus— because 

confinement is not my objection, and I hope and trust that it 
is well known to the Duke. Extreme publicity begins to be 
more and more disgusting to my feelings, and these boobies 
make it worse. The good man at Euston will be here soon, and 
then I shall know how I am to proceed. His last letter said 
that ( he ivas sorry I was going to leave it at alV Circumstances 
made it absolutely necessary to reply that I would not leave it, 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 31 

at least until I see him : thus we stand now. Dr. Jenner is in 
town, and has written to me. 

****** 

Robert Bloomfield. 

32. Co/pel Lofft to Robert Bloomfield. 

Troston : July 10, 1803. 

Dear Sir, — Two letters I have received, one of which was 
principally an account of what is going forward, with all the 
pomp of military preparation, at Woolwich, with your reasons 
for returning thither for some days. I hope this retirement has 
answered for your health. And by your second letter it seems 
in a good degree to have done so. That second was in part an 
intimation of some poetical compositions of yours which were 
to come down by Mrs. Philips. These have not yet reached me. 

Your brother Mr. Greorge Bloomfield's sonnet on the birth 
of my daughter is much admired. There ought, however, to 
have been no stop after ( fear.' And in the Bury paper ' To 
thee ' has been strangely printed instead of ' For thee.' 

Your third letter I ought now more particularly to notice. 

Many of Dr. Drake's objections to particular lines (indeed 
most of them, I believe) had occurred to me in reading the 
poem ; and most of his proposed amendments satisfy me 
very well. I must object, notwithstanding, to his saying that 
Heaven cannot be a dissyllable. It closes a couplet and rhymes 
to a complete dissyllable in one of the most finished productions 
of one of our most correct poets in the mechanism of versi- 
fication. 

' Yet simple Nature to his hope has given, 
Behind the cloud-topt hill, an humbler heaven.' 

Essay on Man. 

And I think Mrs. Lofft has been very right in doing the same 
in one of her sonnets. 

As to the title, I dislike ' The Vaccine Rose.' I think there 
is more of a trifling allusion in it than of anything beside, and 
that founded on a very slight affinity. 

And I would make the title simply ( Vaccine Inoculation, a 

Poem, by Robert Bloomfield,' without adding 6 author of .' 

For who knows not now that you are author of ' The Farmer's 
Boy,' and of the < Rural Tales' ? 

Generally I cannot see the objection to Dr. Drake's essay 
being prefixed. Two paragraphs in it I do, however, most 
earnestly hope that he will omit. They appear to me quite in- 
compatible with liberty, civil and religious, and with good policy 
as to this very object. 

These are those in which he recommends that inoculation 
for the small-pox be prohibited by authority; and that every 



32 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

minister be enjoined to recommend to his parishioners vaccine 
inoculation as a moral and religious duty. 

Now as to the first, inoculation for the small-pox is almost 
always a great mitigator of the evils of that disease, and fre- 
quently it reduces them, as it did in the case of three out of four 
of my children who were thus inoculated, to work to no evil or 
inconvenience ; and the one who had it most had it with what 
would have been called great mildness for the natural small- 
pox, though with comparative severity for the inoculated. Now 
where a practice so greatly reduces danger and mischief to the 
individuals who use it, I do not see the right which Government 
and [the] Legislature have to prohibit this practice entirely, and 
to force persons to run the risk of the natural small-pox for 
themselves and their children, or to submit to a new mode of 
inoculation, which to them may be much less agreeable and satis- 
factory ; and against which, if they have any prejudices, those 
prejudices may be very greatly increased by having all choice 
between the two modes of inoculation taken away from them. 
For a century medical reasoning and general benevolence have 
been exerted to conquer the repugnance to inoculation for the 
small -pox, and now that repugnance is very nearly annihilated, 
how strange it would be to say we forbid you under severe legal 
restrictions from using this precaution, which has been so long, 
so diffusively, so earnestly, and so effectually recommended. 
What should we think of a law to compel the use of bark or of 
James's Powder, unspeakably beneficial as both those medicines 
have been ? Men will find out at last what is best in what most 
concerns them, but they neither will nor ought to be forced into 
it. All that seems necessary or allowable in this instance, is to 
regulate the places where persons shall be received for inocula- 
tion, and to publish such rules for the conduct of persons under 
it as shall make them least likely to endanger themselves or to 
communicate the infection. 

Then as to the other step. Is it impossible for any minister 
who may be a prudent and good man to doubt whether vaccine 
inoculation be a moral and religious duty ? If it is impossible, 
a duty so clear may be surely trusted to its own clearness and to 
the general comprehension. But if a man may doubt it, think 
how great a force upon reason and conscience to compel him to 
enjoin on his parishioners what he disbelieves! How it de- 
grades his character and office as a minister of truth and free- 
dom ! 

No ; if vaccine inoculation be right, reason and experience are 
sufficient to establish it. Of anything worth having, compulsion 
is a most unsuitable instrument for conveying it to mankind. 

I had much my doubts on vaccine inoculation. These doubts 
in a great measure give way, and its not being infectious is 
assuredly an important consideration. I incline to think we 
shall have our little Sarah inoculated with the matter which 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 33 

communicates the vaccine inflammation. But if such prohibi- 
tions and injunctions were imposed, they might, perhaps, cause 
me not to inoculate her at all. 

With the omission of this part I should think the essay might 
be properly and usefully prefixed to the poem. 

My objections to the latter part of the poem are not so much 
on the ground of incorrectness as of thinking that it is not in 
general equal in originality and animation and pathetic effect to 
the beginning. 

I know not that I am quite satisfied with the expression, 6 The 
cause is up.' I cannot think it very elegant, poetical, or correct. 
I cannot change, I believe, my opinion that the embellishment 
of the peal of thunder at the funeral should be wholly rejected. 
And without it this is a natural and awfully affecting passage. 

I rather incline to publication, but hope if the essay is pub- 
lished with the poem, as I think it should, that Dr. Drake will 
see the force of these objections. 

I have been writing a tragedy founded on a domestic fact 
which has very recently happened. Nothing can be more 
simple than the story. Whether it will affect others I know not, 
but I think I may say I wrote myself into a fever, from which, 
excellent as my general health is, I am not yet free. I do not 
deny that the conduct of my son Robert, and the illness of my 
eldest daughter (who is now, however, much better), and other 
circumstances of a like nature, may have contributed to this. 

At present only Mrs. Lofft has seen the whole of my tragedy, 
but I have sent the two first acts of it this evening to Miss 
Malins. I mean to send it to Mrs. Siddons for her perusal. 

The whole turns on the promise given by a guardian, left as 
such by the mother, not to permit her daughter to marry a par- 
ticular person after her death. The person, however, was very 
deserving of her. The consequences of this promise make the 
whole of the drama. The action of it commences so late that the 
time required to its close does not exceed the time of represen- 
tation. Names are changed, and situations accommodated, but 
the main outline of character and event is preserved. The 
scene throughout is the same apartment in a private house. I 
have called it ' Emma ; or, a Domestic Tragedy founded on 
Fact.' I am, yours sincerely, 

Capel Lofft. 
Mr. Bloomfield. 

33. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield. 

City Road, London : Aug. 2, 1803. 
Dear Greorge, 

* * ■* ■* . -x- -* 

I have a letter from Dr. Jenner at Cheltenham enquiring my 
determination as to the poem ' On Vaccination,' and expressing 
great interest in my welfare. Hood says that my publications 



34 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

sell prosperously, and that they must be reprinted in December 
or January next. I dine to-morrow with Mr. H. Eogers, 
Highbury Terrace, a right clever fellow and brother to the 
poet. I have not seen nor heard of the Duke's family since the 
papers said they were gone to Brighton. 

Yours, Eobekt. 

34. Robert Bloomfield to the Duke of Grafton. 

City Road, London : Feb. 3, 1804. 

My Lord, — Were I asked personally by your Grace how fares 
myself and family, I should feel a pleasure while I answered, All 
well, and add that my wife brought me another son on the 21st 
of January, to whom it will be a gratification of my vanity, and 
I hope of better feelings, to give his father's name. 

Nothing but the permission of your Grace to write when I 
have anything to communicate could have induced me to say 
a word about this circumstance, to me so interesting. I doubted 
whether it would be a duty or an intrusion, but have conquered 
my reluctance, and will rely on your Grace's pardon for thus 
following the impulse of the moment; and hope ever to be 
your Grace's devoted and worthy servant, 

Eobekt Bloomfield. 

To his Grace the Duke of Grafton. 

35v B. 0. to Robert Bloomfield. 

April 28, 1804. 
Sir, — I have been much gratified by a perusal of many of 
your poems, the greater part of which, I consider, rank amongst 
the first of our English productions, the whole of them certainly 
highly pleasing and entertaining. For the amusement and in- 
struction which I have received do me the favour to accept the 
enclosed, in return for which you will make an effort on the 
following subject by way of elegy. A captain in the Eoyal 
Navy, lately returned from a foreign station, on which he had 
been absent two or three years, has lately died — has not been 
home more than three or four months — was very successful at 
sea, made considerable prize money — had purchased a house in 
the country where he expected that delightfully domestic situa- 
tion {sic) from the toils and fatigues and dangers to which he 
had been so recently exposed, and to which a country life is so 
peculiarly favourable — was a bachelor, but has left behind him 
a brother and two sisters, to whom he was peculiarly attached, 
to lament his loss, as well as some other more distant relations. 
He was a man of great fame in his profession, and in private 
life yielded to none in those virtues which constitute the orna- 
ment and charm of society. G-enerosity was perhaps his most 
striking feature. I have made several attempts at poetry, all of 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 35 

which I consider very unsuccessful, but some of my friends 
think otherwise, and have particularly pressed me from some 
private reasons, which I cannot explain, to lament in poetry 
the death of the person I have described. If it were a common 
occasion I should certainly attempt it myself, but as it is not so, 
and it is of some consequence to me to excel in it, I must get 
you to attempt it for me, and to promise me at the same time 
that your being its author shall ever remain a most profound 
and entire secret. I know you to be a man of honour, and the 
advantages which I might soon derive will certainly enable me 
to make you a much more liberal compensation than that which 
I at present make for the delight afforded me by your happy 
efforts. Let me have an answer by return of post to acknow- 
ledge receipt of the enclosed, and to say if you will comply with 
my wishes. I am very much yours, 

B.C. 

To be left, Post-office, Portsmouth, Hants. 

The other half of the note shall be sent on hearing that you 
have received the enclosed. 

36. Robert Bloomfield to B. G. 

London : April 28, 1804. 

Sir, — It is a matter of the utmost astonishment to me that 
any man could for a moment trust his reputation in the keeping 
of a stranger in the manner you propose to do with me ! 

G-ranting that you may be right when you call me a man of 
honour, you probably mean that I would keep the secret if I 
bound myself to do it. But to what man of honour would a 
sensible stranger offer the wages of prostitution ? Perhaps, sir, 
you may have written thus merely to try how far I might be 
tempted by the prospect of gain to forfeit all pretence to inde- 
pendence, and to put myself completely in the power of an 
anonymous enemy; for friendship there can be none in the 
endeavour to seduce any man from the paths of truth and prin- 
ciple, whatever may be said in approval of his actions and 
excellences, or whatever flattery may be offered to his vanity. 
I deem myself entirely justified in this severity, if I am to con- 
sider the application as serious. But if it is to pass as a joke, 
it reminds me of one much better which took place between 
Dean Swift and Mr. Pope, when the former offered the latter 
twenty 'pounds to change his religion! Whatever may be 
your views and expectations as to the property of the worthy 
officer you wish to praise in verse, I beg of you to consider that 
the celebration of candour, truth, and sincerity in him would 
be an everlasting reproach on yourself who would appear to the 
world to have paid a debt of justice to the dead, while your 
conscience would only have this poor consolation, that by the 
bait of wealth you had made another man as great a rogue and 
fool as yourself. 



36 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

I send back your half of the ten-pound note, with feelings 
that I am sure are very far from a unison with yours, but 
calculated perhaps to honour either in verse or prose such 
virtues as you attribute to the captain ; they stand more con- 
spicuous from the striking contrast in which you have placed 
them with yourself. If you had sent nothing in your letter but 
the request, I would not have troubled you nor myself with this 
reply to an unknown hand, but the return of your note gives 
me opportunity to assure you that the offer of Mr. B. C. is not 
accepted on the part of E. B. only as a novel and strange kind 
of indignity, to which my situation renders me liable, but which 
I could wish to prevent the repetition of if it was in my power. 
Wishing you success in all honest endeavours, 

I remain yours, Robert Bloomfield. 
To B. C. 

37. Joseph Banfield to Robert Bloomfield. 

Gosport : April 29, 1804. 

Sir, — A letter of yours has this day been put into my hands 5 
containing an answer to one lately addressed to you written by 
a young man subscribing himself B. C. This young man is the 
son of a particular friend of mine, and therefore I am anxious 
to rescue him from any disgrace which may be the consequence 
of his most absurd and ridiculous application to you. It cer- 
tainly is quite beneath your notice, and I have no doubt of your 
judging it so. However, as the young man is particularly 
uneasy under the idea that you may take some steps to make 
his folly public, and so reach the ears of his friends, he has 
entreated me to beg it as a particular favour that you will 
return his letter to one together with this, in order that nothing 
should appear against him. I am sure, therefore, as it is the 
foolish act of a giddy ignorant youth, that you will comply with 
my wishes, and content yourself with the severe but just censure 
you have already passed on his conduct. Mr. B. C. (for you must 
excuse my telling you his name) entreats that you will accept 
the enclosed, as the only compensation he is able to make you 
for the insult he has offered. As I am about to leave this 
neighbourhood, may I request the favour of an early reply, 
addressed to the Post-office in this town ? 

I am, sir, your very obedient servant, 

Joseph Banfield. 

38. Robert Bloomfield to J. Banfield. 

Shepherd and Shepherdess, City Road, London : 
May 1, 1804. 

Sir, — I feel very much relieved myself since receiving your 
kind and sensible letter. I had formed to myself a picture of 
the party who wrote under the signature of B. C, which I am 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 37 

very agreeably surprised to find wrong. I had conceived the 
writer to be perhaps himself in search of preferment in the 
navy, and having probably no very honourable intentions as to 
the family of the officer lately deceased — and I wrote in the 
moment of irritation what perhaps more sober reflection would 
have condemned ; I wrote as I felt. After this apology on my 
part, I beg you will assure the young man that I send back his 
letter with much pleasure to myself, and an high opinion of 
your candour and interest in his behalf. Tell him by no means 
to despair of success in the pursuit of poetry ; but let him exert 
his faculties under the guardianship of moral truth, and a con- 
scientious regard for his own character, and then there is no 
great fear of offending, but certainly great hopes of the con- 
trary. Tell him, sir, that I can have no possible claim whatever 
on the present he encloses. I would much rather give him 
mj hand if I could reach him. I have five young children of 
my own, and I trust I have a father's feelings too. I am much 
pleased with so fair an understanding in this little business, and 
certainly shall not by any means give an unpleasant sensation 
to your young friend by making mention of what I am sure he 
will hereafter see to have been improper as to himself, and 
rather hard of digestion on my part. 

With many thanks, sir, for your letter, and respects to both, 
I of course return the note ; which you will not understand but 
with the sincerest regard to justice and the most obvious fulfil- 
ment of common civility. I have no claim on your friend, but 
feel gratified and entirely at ease from your communication. 
Eemaining, sir, your obedient, humble servant, 

ROBERT BLOOMFIELD. 
To Mr. J. Banfield. 

39. Robert Bloomfield to the Might Hon, C. J. Fox, 

Shepherd and Shepherdess, City Road, London : 
March 7, 1806. 

As a friend of his Grace the Duke of Grafton, and as having 
four years ago given a highly valued testimony in favour of some 
of the compositions of my rustic muse, I venture to intrude upon 
your notice some pieces of a similar kind. Were I to express a 
wish, sir, that for my country's sake you may not find time to 
look at them, I should be very near the truth. Yet feeling, as 
I do, the value of your opinion, and the honest hope of approba- 
tion, I thus trouble you once again, and subscribe myself truly, 
Sir, your most humble servant, 

Egbert Bloomfield. 

To the Right Honourable C. J. Fox. 



05 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

40. The Earl of Buchan to Messrs. Longman. 

Edinburgh : March 11, 1808. 
Gentlemen, — Considering the interest I took in Eobert Bloom- 
field on the coming forth of his ' Rural Tales,' I am prompt to 
promote the sale of his e Wild Flowers,' which I think very 
interesting. I therefore send you a very extraordinary letter 
which Bloomfield wrote to me, if I remember right, on the 2nd 
of January, 1802 ; together with a short address to the readers 
of his last publication, which you are at liberty to prefix to your 
next edition of the ' Flowers.' 

I am, gentlemen, your obedient, humble servant, 

Buchan. 

Messrs. Longman & Co., Booksellers, 
Paternoster Row, London. 

[Enclosure No. 1.] 

THE EARL OF BUCHAN TO THE READERS OF BLOOMFIELD's 
' WILD FLOWERS.' 

After a long absence of sixteen years, having visited London 
with a view to proceed to Paris on a survey of the fine arts, 
and of that extraordinary accumulation of the monuments of 
ancient arts which war and opulence had occasioned to be 
gathered together in France and Britain, at the expense of Italy, 
I took up my residence in the Adelphi, where I invited all those 
who might happen to favour my design kindly to resort and to 
favour me with their advice. 

The Admirable Barry, ex-professor of painting in the Royal 
Academy, the Michael Angelo of my country, a man destined to 
go from the sunshine of Burke's favour and friendship to the 
Cimmerian darkness of his fan-painting enemies ; Apostool, that 
singular instance of an acute, refined, and elegant Dutchman 
knowing in the fine arts, and capable of relishing the sublime 
and beautiful ; Richard Cooper, the engraver, whose knowledge 
of what is excellent in painting and sculpture is surpassed by 
few of his contemporaries ; Singleton Copley, that first pro- 
duction of a new world in his beautiful art, handed by me 
anciently to the notice of the great Pitt, of the great age of 
Britain, father of the lamented and unfortunate first minister 
who has so lately descended to an untimely grave ; and various 
other artists whom I esteem, resorted to my abode on Sunday 
mornings, when I opened my doors, and when they honoured me 
with their confidence and advice. 

Along with these interesting visitors I am proud to recollect 
the presence of many other men high in the first esteem of a 
discerning few, who are capable of shutting their eyes against 
the glare of popular delusion, and of seeing things as they are, 
or as they ought to be. ' Lis cari ipsis.' The time was delight- 
fully spent on such an errand and with such a group. 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 39 

Among these there was brought to me by Dyer the poet — 
honest George Dyer — Bloomfield, the ladies' shoemaker in the 
City Eoad, who was then about to publish his ' Eural Tales,' of 
which he recited to me, and to my company, his 4 Old Kichard ' 
and several other select pieces, which he accompanied with a 
symphony of broken expression and with frequent tears. We 
were highly pleased, and invited him to return. He returned 
with the first copy of his book and recited other tales. We for- 
warded the sale of his book, of which he afterwards informed 
me that in the rapid editions that followed he sold five thousand 
copies. 

I was, while in the Adelphi, to sit for my portrait to the Eev. 
William Gardiner, then become bookseller in union with Mr. 
Harding, engraver, &c, in Pall Mall, and having made a senti- 
mental visit to the birth-place of Newton, at Woolsthorp, I was 
to be represented venerating the spot and the orchard where- 
that great man first conceived, by the falling of an apple, the 
theory of gravitation, in its application to the motions of the 
heavenly bodies. While I sat for my picture I happened to 
mention the sudden and extraordinary manner of my mother's 
death, accompanied with circumstances preceding it, which are 
of too sacred and too private a nature to be revealed at present. 
I invited him down into Scotland that I might have him at 
Dry burgh Abbey, and show him the pastoral scenes that adjoin 
to it, the pure parent stream of Eden, and of Tweed, where 
Thomson first tuned his pastoral pipe, and I asked him to come 
to the Adelphi next day, to honour my sitting for the painting 
of my portrait. Prevented by a head-ache, he could not come, 
but sent me an apology hastily written, of which the following is 
a copy, and which being, as he frankly says in it, a picture of 
his own mind, I have thought it a proper introduction to his 
6 Wild Flowers,' and recommend it accordingly to the readers of 
that little volume. 

Buchan. 
Messrs. Longman & Co., Booksellers, 
Paternoster Bow, London. 



[Enclosure No. 2.] 

ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE POETICAL SHOEMAKER, TO THE EARL OF BUCHAN, 
ON BEING INVITED TO DRYBURGH ABBEY. 

London : Jan. 19, 1802. 

My Lord, — It may look strange that one, who has been re- 
peatedly honoured with your lordship's conversation, should have 
anything to express by writing ; but the sudden transition from 
shade to sunshine, from obscurity to publicity, which has fallen 
to my lot, has sometimes almost proved painful, and perplexing 
in a great degree. Condescension from superiors ought, at least, 
to inspire confidence sufficient to meet their approbation in all its 



■iO SELECTIONS FflOM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

shapes and modifications ; and, when it does not, I am apt to sus- 
pect that it deserves no such plausible name as modesty. It is a 
dastardly child, the offspring of ignorance and fear. I feel and 
know that in my composition there is not an atom of what is 
called wit. My replies are the slow suggestions of contempla- 
tion, and my good things mostly come an hour too late. I find 
this to be true in conversation with my equals, where restraint 
can have no force. There is, however, another enemy (though 
in some cases my dearest friend), namely, sensibility, whose 
power is resistless, and whose visits are perpetually made known 
by a rising of the stomach, and a redundancy of water in the 
eyes. Subjects of interest to the feelings are frequent in parties 
such as I have lately had the honour to join ; when, indepen- 
dent of the subject being often above my reach, I find this 
weakness, if it be a weakness, stand in my way, and absolutely 
obstruct any remark or reply whatever. 

Your lordship informed me particularly of the death of a bxfy, 
the circumstances attending which were of a singular and un- 
commonly interesting nature. I know not whether to wish such 
scenes to fall in my way, or whether to rejoice selfishly that I 
have do such torture; for excess of pleasure certainly becomes 
pain. I have never frequented so desirable and honourable a 
school as that in which your lordship presides. I mean your 
friendly conversations with the learned and good, the very 
cream of a nation's talents. When I reflect on what I am, I 
can but wonder at that one qualification, which alone is thought 
sufficient to entitle me to be amongst it. But the clashing of 
animated spirits, the flint and steel of conversation, though they 
communicate no fire, give me a glorious light; and while I 
suppress my own thoughts, I often hear them better advanced 
and better clothed by others. The illustrious soul that has left 
us the name of Burns, has often been lowered down to a com- 
parison with me ; but the comparison exists more in circum- 
stances than in essentials. That man stood up with the stamp 
of superior intellects : on his brow, a visible greatness ; and 
great and patriotic subjects, which only have called out action, 
and the powers of his mind, which lay inactive while he played 
calmly and exquisitely the pastoral pipe. The letters to which I 
have alluded in my preface to the ( Eural Tales,' were friendly 
warnings pointed with immediate reference to the fate of that 
extraordinary man. ' Eemember Burns ! ' has been the watch- 
word of my friends. / do remember Burns; but I am not 
Burns, neither have I his fire to fan nor to quench, nor his 
passions to control. Where, then, is my merit, if I make a 
peaceful voyage on a calm sea, and no mutiny on board ? To a 
lady (I have it from herself) who remonstrated with him on his 
danger from drink, and the pursuit of some of his associates, he 
replied : i Madam, they would not thank me for my company 
if I did not drink with them ; I must give them a slice of my 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 41 

constitution.' How much to be regretted that he did not give 
them thinner slices of his constitution, that it might have lasted 
longer. I write this much under the twinges of a head-ache, to 
which I am subject, and which has prevented my waiting on 
your lordship this morning. If, in my fireside reflection, I thus 
draw a picture of myself, I hope I do not trespass on Mr. 
Gardiner's profession ; and more particularly I hope I shall not 
trespass on your lordship's patience. I feel so great a triumph 
in having your lordship's decided approbation that I cannot 
forbear hazarding an avowal of it in writing. I have said 
6 Natural sublimer scenes ne'er charmed my eyes.' And what 
effect the Cambrian or Caledonian mountains, or a sight of the 
sea would have I can only guess. These to me are distant vision- 
ary raptures, like the saint's prospect of heaven. My i Emma's 
Kid ' is the dream of imagination, and the eye had no share in 
collecting any one idea to identify the picture. If a man is set 
upon a house-top, he must be a fool not to tread with caution, 
and feel a becoming solicitude for his safety; more particularly, 
if among the spectators, some might be found who would like to 
see him fall. This is my situation in some degree. The patron- 
age of wealth, and conspicuous talents may well be envied, and 
will perhaps, as long as envy dwells in little souls, and true 
nobility in great ones. Though I know I am incomprehensible 
to myself, and thus call my courage and confidence to a reckon- 
ing for failures, I know that a small dose of poison, alias spirits, 
has a momentary influence in strengthening both. But as I 
have a strong predilection for living as long as I can, and for 
living with your lordship's favour upon my head, I beseech 
you at all times, and on all occasions, to guard your decisions 
with your accustomed good sense and candour, and never to 
think Bloomfield is turned fool till you see it yourself. Indeed 
1 much question the wisdom of counteracting and opposing my 
watery-headed propensity at all. The indulgence of it is more 
precious than the wealth of all the distilleries in the world ; 
and I have always written best when I indulged it most. But 
I perceive that I am tattling, like old Eichard, all about myself, 
and beg pardon for troubling your lordship with the fruits of the 
head-ache, the stirrings of gratitude and perhaps ambition. 
But I will never be ashamed of any of them, while I hold life 
and your lordship's good opinion. 

Eobeet Bloomfield. 

41. Capel Lofft to Robert Bloomfield. 

[1802.] 

Dear Sir, — I write too many letters, and generally write 
them in too much anxiety and hurry to write them elegantly ; 
but still, I write whenever I think my doing so may be more 
useful or satisfactory to others than my silence. 



42 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

I received your letter this afternoon, with those from the 
Earl of Buchan. 

You ask my advice, and therefore I frankly give it. 

I venerate the Earl of Buchan, and think him and the 
Chancellor worthy to be brothers to each other. A friend of 
poetry and of the fine arts, a friend of liberty and of public 
virtue, he merits high esteem. I have seen letters of his in 
Wyvill's c Political Correspondence,' which confirm and heighten 
that esteem in my mind, as in Mr. Wyvill's. 

That he should be without pride is out of the nature of 
human mind and circumstances; but of that pride he has made 
a truly benevolent, generous, and virtuous life. 

Were there no other reasons than his character and affec- 
tionate zeal for persons of genius who have worthily employed 
it, I would not disappoint his wish of publishing his letter of 
yours to him in the next edition of the 'Wild Flowers.' To do 
thus will be honourable to both. Your not forbidding it would 
be subject to no imputation of vanity; your forbidding it, I 
think, would not be free from something liable to be considered 
as pride, or unkindness, or injustice. 

His enthusiastic admiration of Barry speaks with me power- 
fully. What he has said of that astonishingly great man is 
indeed characteristic. 

This, and his attachment to the memory of Thomson, of 
Burns, of the patriot Fletcher, and the sublime Newton, are 
motives of esteem and confidence which I deeply feel. 

I do not see that his saying ( we forwarded the sale ' is an 
assertion that he occasioned the sale. A person may increase 
and accelerate the success of that which he does not deny would 
have succeeded without him. 

Above all, let no omissions or retrenchments which you have 
made of what I had said, whether made on your own views of 
the subject or the suggestions of others, influence you on this 
occasion. Be that right or wrong, this, relative to Earl Buchan, 
stands on its own ground. 

I trust I have as high and as free a spirit as any man ; yet, 
were Earl Buchan to wish to prefix to anything of mine a 
testimony such as he is desirous of prefixing to your poems, he 
must write very differently from anything I have seen of his 
before I should refuse it. 

The decision of course rests with you ; but I do not think 
him a man whose talents and virtues and tender of goodwill 
are of that rate which can be slighted without injury to oneself 
and one's own feelings. 

The hand in which your letter is copied is generally admired 
here. It strikes me as being beautiful and elegant almost 
beyond example. I think there can be no doubt of its being a 
female hand, and as little of its being a lovely hand and under 
the guidance of a highly cultivated and amiable mind. 



KOBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 43 

The letter was worthy to be so transcribed. It places its 
author high among the few men who have excelled in letter- 
writing. 

I grieve most truly for the death of the Duchess of Devon- 
shire and the illness of Mr. Fox. 

With such proofs of the uncertain continuance here of the 
great ornaments and blessings of society, let not little circum- 
stances induce us to neglect the tender of their friendship. 

I write immediately, though rather fatigued (a thing almost 
new to me), that I may return your packet to-morrow. I shall 
wish to learn that you have received it safe. 

I like much Mr. Parke's (for so I suppose) sweet quatrain 
on the iEolian harp constructed by yourself. This instrument 
has been always a great favourite with me and with Mrs. LofTt. 
Can you give me a hint in what respect your construction 
differs ? I mean a mere general idea. In every point of view 
I do not wonder that you have many who wish to be purchasers. 
Beside Thomson's charming lines in the ' Castle of Indolence,' 
you have probabty read his exquisite i Ode to the iEolian Harp.' 

Pope's ' Homer ' will be worth your reading at your leisure. 
It has many splendid and beautiful, some few sublime passages, 
and some pathetic. But I rejoice in your affection for Cowper's 
noble and characteristic translation. 

I am much dissatisfied with the proof sent me for the illus- 
trations of your poems. It is shockingly mangled. If they 
will not receive the corrections which I have sent them, I had 
much rather they would not publish any account of Troston 
at all. 

I am, yours sincerely, 

Capel Lofft. 

I observe you wish for our joint judgment, but I cannot give 
you what I cannot obtain, any further than this — that, as far 
as I can perceive, I think Mrs. Lofft's opinion is with me on 
this occasion, in favour of adopting the proposal of Earl 
Buchan. 

42. Robert Bloomfield to Samuel Rogers, Esq. 

City Eoad : Dec. 24, 1806. 
Dear Sir, — I return your opera ticket with sincere thanks 
for the pleasure it obtained me ; yet I think my pleasure arose 
more from the novelty than the intrinsic merit of the thing. 
Naldi has a good deal of comic humour, but it is Italian 
humour. I w T as charmed with his voice more than with his 
dress and deportment. Eovedino has nothing comic in his 
face : I should act comedy just so myself. The new performer, 
Siboni, made a very good Prince of Taranto ; but the two 
females were by far the most interesting performers to me, 
Perini and Grigletti. But, to save the trouble of spelling these 



44 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

confounded break-jaw names, I will tell you in a general way 
what I admired and what I disliked. 

I was previously aware that I was not to look for probability 
in the nature of operas, and this previous knowledge saved me 
the mortification of a disappointment. I should have liked 
Naldi better if I had not been pestered by a perpetual inward 
comparison between him and the figure in a print which I have 
seen, called f Italian Eevenge.' This thought troubled me all 
the evening*. The scenery is truly delightful ; the dancing 
wonderful ; and the whole, setting probability and nature 
(almost) out of the question, is a high treat; yet I think more 
like mince-pie and made- dishes than substantial food. I am 
too great a novice in music to judge ; I could only be surprised 
and astonished. I sat in the pit, totally unknowing and un- 
known. Some gentlemen behind me were extolling the sin- 
gular beauty of a lady of easy virtue who sat a few seats above 
us, and I exercised my judgment too (for when you sent me 
the ticket, no restriction was laid as to which way I should 
look), and have to tell you that of any essentials of beauty she 
had not a spark, not an atom : so much for difference of 
opinion. I do not believe that men agree in this any more 
than in their palates at table, or their notions of what is beau- 
tiful in a landscape. 

I cannot help observing the great difference between an ill- 
dressed and a well-dressed mob, and I must indeed be unfeel- 
ing and ungenerous not to acknowledge it. In our national 
theatres I have often sided so far with the patricians as to 
wish the plebeians at the devil, not because they were such 
(that I leave to those who are weak enough, that is, proud 
enough), but merely because they would not be quiet. 

I observed, according to the best of my calculation, that the 
petticoats of the women were about ten inches longer than 
those of the men. One of the former in particular I should have 
been glad to have accommodated with the loan of a pair of 
pantaloons which I had left at home ; and yet it is more than 
a hundred to one if they had pleased her. I do not wonder in 
the least that gentlemen, and ladies too, should frequent a 
place where they can hear the finest music, and see the most 
surprising agility and grace ; but I am now convinced that the 
former have an additional incentive, the exhibition of female 
beauty in a manner and in a way which no other place in 
England will warrant, and, by my soul, I think this is as 
natural a feeling as any one there excited, ' and further this 
deponent saith not.' 

I have had the pleasure of witnessing the best scenery and 
dancing, and the worst lightning, in England. I saw Narcissus 
drown himself (and, by the bye, that same Narcissus was worth 
going three miles to see); I saw a very jolly and delectable- 
looking Venus, and a number of other young things, whose 



ROBEKT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 45 

motions indicated that they felt the want of wings, and were 
very angry indeed because they had them not. They plagued 
poor little Cupid in a most barbarous manner, because he fell 
asleep after whetting his arrows : on what ? — on a grindstone ! 

Upon the whole, I frankly own that I think I should have 
relished this show much more if it had not happened that I had 
seen the preceding week the English opera of * Love in a 
Village ;' and I am unfashionable enough to declare, and my 
whole heart goes with it, that I would rather be the author of 
such a piece than proprietor of the Opera House, and all the 
buildings on his side of the street. 

With unfeigned thanks for your continued kindness, 
I am, Sir, most respectfully and truly yours, 

EOBERT BLOOMFIELD. 

43. Robert Bloomfield to his Wife. 

Stout's Hill : Sunday Morning, Aug. 16, 1807. 
My dear Mary, — Hannah's parcel came to hand yesterday. 
I recollected, soon after my departure, that I had left an article 
behind me, and on my arrival found that I could do very well 
without it, but, as you have sent it, all is well. I am certain you 
cannot conceive a place so charming as the valley of Uley. The 
high ground that surrounds it, on all sides, except one opening, 
where the little stream runs off towards the Severn, is clothed 
from top to bottom with woods, and projecting and retiring 
from a regular line presents the most inconceivably beautiful 
variety of light and shade. These woods are about four times 
the height of the ' One-Tree Hill ' at Greenwich, and in some 
places much steeper. On the north side of the valley rises a 
bold promontory called ' The Berry,' about 400 feet, or much 
such another as Box Hill, only quite naked at the top ; on this 
hill are the remains of a camp, and from its top the valley lies 
under the eye clothed in such a coat of green as is seldom met 
with. In the middle of this valley stands the village of Uley, 
and close by it, on a little eminence, the house in which I am 
writing. But I must now proceed to inform you, that, after 
exploring all the home scene with Mrs. Baker, I yesterday rode 
with Mr. Baker in a gig to Stinchcomb Hill, of much greater 
magnitude than any immediately around Uley. This is [a] 
magnificent view, which I cannot here attempt to describe, but 
-must, on account of the post, which goes from hence at ten, 
inform you that the whole journey was last night arranged, and 
we set off to-morrow morning at eleven : Mr. and Mrs. Baker 
and self, Mr. Cooper, and two daughters and two sons, with Miss 
Ewen, the governess. They take two sociables, and about seven 
horses, to cross the Severn, and proceed to Eoss, Monmouth, 
and Chepstow, and then wheel round to the right, through 
Eadnor and Brecon, round to the Malvern Hills in Worcester- 



46 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

shire, and home by Gloucester, &c. They take sketch-books, 
and everything that can render a ten days' journey delightful. 
I doubt I shall not be able to write to you until my return 
here, so do not fail of sendiDg me the account of all at home, 
that I may have it by Wednesday week, when we hope to be 
at Stout's Hill again. I shall keep a journal both in prose and 
in rhyme, which shall give us some amusement on my return. 

I meant to have filled this sheet, but the breakfast-bell has 
rung, and I have no more time. Best love to all, and to your- 
self peace and happiness. 

I am, dear Mary, yours, 

Eobert. 

44. Robert Bloomfield to his Wife, 

Abergavenny : Friday, Aug. 21, 1807. 
My dear Mary, — We have thus far performed our journey in 
perfect safety. We have been the road leading over Framelode 
passage across the Severn, thence to Eoss the first day, and 
down the Wye, the second day, to Monmouth. Again we 
took to our boat from Monmouth at six o'clock in the morning, 
and reached Chepstow at one ; but to attempt here to de- 
scribe the pleasures of the voyage would be quite useless ; they 
have been too many and too great for the bounds of a letter. 
We left Chepstow yesterday noon, and took by the way a two 
hours' look at Eaglan Castle ; then came yesterday evening to 
this town, slept sound, and this morning engaged an old Welsh- 
man with a cart with benches, and three little horses, to carry 
us to the summit of the Sugar-loaf Mountain, such fun, such a 
road, and such a feast on the mountain moss, and such a sight ! 
I shall talk of it all the rest of my life ! We are this moment 
returned, all well, and to-morrow shall proceed to Brecon, and 
thence to Hereford, and to Malvern Hills, and home by 
Gloucester. I write because I have opportunity, and because I 
wish to satisfy you that I am well. My best love to yourself 
and all the children. 

I am ever yours, Eobert. 

45. Robert Bloomfield to his Wife. 

Stout's Hill, Uley : Sunday Morning, Aug. 30, 1807. 

My dear Mary, — After a most happy and delightful tour of 
ten days, we reached home on Thursday evening. I received 
Hannah's letter of course, and rejoiced to hear you continue 
well. I write now to inform you that I propose setting out on 
my return home to-morrow noon, and intend to come by way 
of Oxford, and to sleep there on Monday night and Tuesday 
night, and then proceed to London by a Wednesday's coach. I 
cannot foresee anything that can prevent this plan from taking 
place. 

We came home by Hay, Hereford, Malvern, Tewkesbury, 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 47 

Cheltenham, and Gloucester. At Cheltenham, I called on Dr. 
Jenner, and I have an elegant little tea-caddy as his present to 
Mrs. Bloomfield. We rode yesterday to Berkeley Castle, about 
five miles from hence, where poor King Edward II. was 
murdered. His tomb is in Gloucester Cathedral. I shall have 
an interesting journal to exhibit on my return, and a thousand 
things to explain. 

Love to all ; and I am always yours affectionately, 

Robert. 

I have a poetical journal which has caused a deal of fun. 
46. Robert Bloomfield to Mrs. Baker. 



Whereas on Monday afternoon, an elderly gentleman, re- 
markable for taciturnity and an unaltered countenance, accom- 
panied his friend from the city to the west end of the town, and 
has not since been heard of. 

The said gentleman is a citizen of respectable appearance, 
wearing a large full-bottomed peruke, which though it has 
never been combed "is as smooth as on the first day it was 
formed. It is presumed that the said gentleman is not de- 
tained from any legal process, nor for any riotous behaviour 
in the streets, he being never known to be guilty of such mis- 
demeanours, except (as is always the case when kings do wrong) 
he may have been used as an instrument in the hands of 
wicked and designing men. And in thus likening the said 
gentleman to his present most gracious Majesty and other kings, 
no harm whatever is meant, as in some other particulars he 
might be likened most truly, particularly this — he speaks not 
himself, but others speak for him. 

The said gentleman has never declared his opinion on 
politics ; but still it is known that he is neither a Jacobin, nor 
a Ministerialist ; but it is thought that in the cause of Reform 
he would in certain cases be of great service. 

The said gentleman was never instructed in grammar or 
logic, any more than his friend ; yet it is shrewdly suspected 
that, should his friend be attacked, he would be able to lay 
down some strong arguments on the side of justice. The said 
gentleman has sometimes been seen in a cookshop and some- 
times in better company ; but (what is very important in these 
times) was never known to eat or to drink ! which, considering 
him as a citizen, is perhaps the most extraordinary trait in his 
character. His backwardness in speaking his own praise will 
not hinder us from supposing that he has served his country ; a 
large scar on his left cheek seems to confirm this opinion. His 
complexion, like his friend's, is remarkably dark, and he stoops 
considerably, which is supposed to proceed from intense study, 



48 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

for, as the said gentleman never wastes his time in idle con- 
versation, it is universally believed that he must know a great 
deal. Whether he does or not, his friend would be glad to 
know where he is. In plain English, I left my favourite 
walking-stick at your house. Take care of it for me and com- 
mand the services of 

Yours, &c. 

E. B. 

Seven years ago I wrote the above to a friend's daughter at 
Marylebone, and I think I once promised you a copy, but did 
not then imagine that I should have so fair and decided an 
apology for so doing. But the fact is, that I walked with the 
same stick to Fulham, and it remains (I hope) in your hall. It 
is a specimen of my carving at the time I began ' The Farmer's 
Boy ; ' it was my companion at Shooter's Hill — 

I took my staff and wander' d here — 

and is one of my valuables. I am certain that you will enquire 
for it of the servants. I am not in want of it, only to have it 
secured. 

Eemind Mr. Baker that if he comes this way on horseback, 
he cannot put Coze's two quartos under his arm. Another 
delightful day ! Health be with you all. 

EOBEKT BLOOMFIELD. 
To Mrs. Baker. 

47. Robert Bloomfielcl to Mrs. Baker. 

City Eoad : Aug. 24, 1808. 

Dear Madam, — Obstacles not worth mentioning stand in the 
way of that pleasure which I should, as usual, enjoy at your 
hospitable house. 

I have this minute been looking over proofs of the stereo- 
type edition of my poems, now going on ; and I find that if the 
composition of poetry had been as irksome as correcting it, my 
verses would never have been written. I believe you know 
that I have been writing a neiv preface to ' The Farmer's Boy : ' 
you will see it in due time. 

I have had an anxious, worrying summer, with no relaxation, 
save a day at Fulham. I feel myself, therefore, as I always do 
under such circumstances, and am going to take (on Friday) a 
ramble over Leith Hills, &c, in the vicinity of Dorking. This 
day twelvemonth we were at the old church at Hereford, and 
this night twelvemonth were in the dark upon Malvern Hills. 
Blessings on the recollections of that tour ! — it cheers me like 
a dram of whisky or a mug of Welsh ale. How does Mr. B. ? 
I hope no crutches this summer ! 

I propose being home in the middle of next week ; and if I 
see you at all, it will be by a very early morning's walk to Clare 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 49 

Hall, and back the same night; unless Catherine can insure me 
a lodging in the hen-house or hay-loft, either of which would 
have the charm of novelty, a charm which often induces people 
to do much sillier and more unnatural things. 

I take it for granted that you go on to Wicken ? And I 
would, if I was able, send by you the whole of my respects to 
that picture of benevolence, your aunt. 

Accept, dear madam, my wishes for your health and pleasure, 
and my remembrances to all friends ; and I am, with spirits 
rather 6 down at heel,' 

Yours continually, 

EOBERT BLOOMFIELD. 

48. Robert Bloomfield to Mr. C. Sharp. 
To Mr. Sharp, Mr. Doeg, and whoever else it may concern. 

I cannot with pleasure leave home, 

Though wit, wine, and friendship invite ; 

For my grim-visag'd fiend is just come, 
Who withers the germs of delight. 

With the vile grin of conquest he rides, 
And demands from its peg my warm coat ; 

Deep probing back, shoulders, and sides, 
With a dart — like the name to your note. 

Your blithe Caledonian for once, 

Whose humour will keep you from sinking, 

Will miss, by good fortune, the dunce 

Who spends his dull moments in thinking. 

But should Doeg transgress, show the door, 

And let the fine rain cool his flame ; 

Or to have him like me, make him poor, 

And strike out the e from his name. 

Rob. Bloomfield. 
Sept. 8, 1808. 

49. Robert Bloomfield to Mrs. Lloyd Baker. 

City Road : Jan. 16, 1811. 

Dear Madam, — When sure of the goodwill and good wishes 
of a correspondent — even of a shamefully neglected and ill-used 
correspondent — how much easier becomes the necessary resump- 
tion of intercourse ; and how genuine and how willingly comes 
forth the required apology ! I am in every sense glad that your 
cousin Catherine apprised you of my humours, and my objects, 
and my griefs, as far as she knows them ; for it has precluded 
the necessity of my doing it, and left me to speak of present 
and future things the more particularly. 

Since you saw or heard any part of my journal — and I think 
I remember how far I had then proceeded in my amusement- 

E 



50 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

much alteration has taken place in the plan and divisions, &c. 
As I advanced, I began to conceive that it might even eventu- 
ally be rendered fit for publication ; and this persuasion set me 
about a thorough examination and revision. I conceived that 
it was, owing to the careless and hasty manner of its early com- 
position, much too Hudibrastic, and contained a vast deal of 
useless matter, which might give way to the superior graces of 
nature, or to unbridled fancy. I had finished it, as I thought, 
according to this plan, last summer ; and I had the joint opi- 
nion of my then companions, Inskip, himself a poet and a man 
of strong mind, and my host, Mr. Weston, of Shefford, Beds ; 
and as he has read and thought more than any man I ever 
found in his station of life, and of his age, and is an enthusiast in 
poetry, with a memory truly astonishing, considering his multi- 
farious reading, I consider him highly capable of detecting 
what were blemishes in a harum-scarum story like mine. We 
read it for the purpose of criticising closely. We all doubted 
the propriety of (xiant Scoop in the outset of the piece ; yet all 
agreed that the ridiculous thought was not without merit, only 
perhaps out of place. Previous to this I had shown it to Mr. 
Rogers, author of the ( Pleasures of Memory ;' and he even 
then, in its ruder state, said that it would probably be well 
received if published ; but that it was evident that I had not 
taken the pains with it which might be taken. I then wrote 
the whole out again with great emendations, in which state 
Mr. Lofft gave the opinion which I very barely stated to you. I 
took his hints and the others in conjunction, and wrote the 
whole out again^ still in the mending way with additions and 
curtailments ; and in this new dress, without the personage 
above mentioned, Scoop, I submitted the piece to the calm, 
judicious, and candid Mr. Park of Hampstead (he had seen 
the giant long ago, and said nothing in his praise, which I 
know how to understand). He was decidedly of opinion that 
the thing would do me credit, and at the same time pencilled 
his doubts and remarks. With this encouragement I once more 
wrote out the whole ; gave the brat a name ; and offered it to 
my bookseller. I know of nothing which can now retard its 
ultimate appearance before the world. It will be divided into 
four books ; and it now contains incidental ballads (a great 
relief to the sameness and length of the tale), entitled, c The 
Gleaners' Song,' attached to that delicious scene, Coldwell 
Springs; 'Morris of Persfield;' ( The Maid of Landoga;' and 
( A Funeral Song,' at the Hay. I wish, as you say, most sin- 
cerely that I could submit it still to Mr. Cooper ; but it will be 
out of my power. It is intended to engrave four plates only, 
for my booksellers are averse to the costly and fashionable style 
of publishing ; one or two of which plates they seem almost 
determined to take from my own sketches on the spot. This, 
I fear, may appear strange to you ; but not surely if you recol- 



KOBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 51 

lect that their object is to lay hold of everything which can 
interest or bias in the sale. Eemembering what you have said 
as to your own drawings, I hope, though it is a delicate point, 
to obtain from Mr. Cooper two of his, to be the ornaments of my 
present venture; and — may I tell you? — that the journal will 
bear at least an ample record of pleasure, with some starts of 
fancy, and some of tenderness, whatever may be thought of its 
general merit, or the merit of the theme. 

Jan. 23. — And now, after this rest, I resume my theme 
again, and have to say that I think my drawings will escape 
the ordeal of publicity, and I accordingly apply to Mr. Cooper 
for four. It is proposed to have the ballads set to music, and 
I am going to lay siege to Mr. Shield for his copartnership, 
and to print the music with the book. I should not at all 
wonder if this part of the plan fails, though I wish it to be 
accomplished. Depend upon it you will receive further intelli- 
gence in time, and a supply of copies of the first water ; but 
you need not look out for them until April or May. 

# # - * # # .' -H? 

Robert Bloomfield. 

50. Robert Bloomfield to Mrs. Lloyd Baker. 

London : March 13, 1811. 
Dear Madam, — I can add but little more information with 
regard to my progress, or that of the music-composer, or of 
Mr. Cooper. Mr. Shield has received the words of the songs 
some weeks ; and hitherto has given no determinate answer, 
but wrote to require an interview, without stating the time ; 
and I have met ' Not at home ' at his door once already, and 
wait for some opportunity of seeing him. With respect to Mr. 
Cooper, he has promised, and actually began to copy, some 
drawings to our proposed size, and I doubt not but I shall soon 
have them. The first six thousand copies (there's large talk !) 
will not be much at my disposal as to size and price, &c. ; but 
I can assure you that they will be little, if any, larger than the 
common four-shilling copies of the preceding books, and conse- 
quently one of your objections to printing music will be in full 
force, and the other will fall to the ground. I shall never, I 
hope, see you lugging along under your arm a book of mine 
which ought from its bulk to take possession of the vehicle 
used by your gardener ; and in the present case I have other 
objections of some weight. I have the vanity to hope (critics 
willing), that my little diary may be the companion of many a 
happy party, who will sing, and weep, and exult in health, on 
the same stream, when I am in the dust ; and what would they 
do with such a monster of a book as you seem to fear ? Why 
even Pollet himself, perhaps, w 7 ould charge half-a- crown for its 
carriage ! and that would never do. Oh how I wish it was clean 
through my hands, and I at liberty ! Rob. Bloomfield. 



52 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

51. Robert Bloomfield to R. B. Cooper, Esq. 

London: March 19, 1811. 

Dear Sir, — I received your highly finished drawings with 
pleasure, and inform you that the parties concerned are like- 
wise pleased with them ; and that, consequently, they will be 
engraved in due time. 

I have divided the journal into four books. The first con- 
cludes at Monmouth ; the second at Chepstow ; the third at 
Brecknock ; and the last brings us home. 

From this division you will see that the two drawings now 
received apply, one to the second book, finishing with Chepstow 
Castle, and the other to the third, which includes Crickhoweh 
Now if the publishers take it into their heads that the plates 
should apply to each book, I should then choose 'The New 
Weir on the Wye ' for the first book, and t The Summits of the 
Vann from the Priory Woods' for the fourth ; unless you prefer 
'Hay Castle,' which I fear would not be deemed equally in- 
teresting in itself, however excellently it was drawn. The 
publishers, I learn, wish to confine themselves to four engrav- 
ings, and therefore your troubles will be the less, but not my 
obligation. 

I shall be greatly vexed if they do not execute them as they 
deserve, or give us any of the bookseller's quirks. 

I have again thought of it, and am decided in my choice of 
' The New Weir,' and e The Yann from the Priory Woods.' 
With these you may proceed, I hope, at your leisure moments, 
for they have not begun printing. Mr. Shield (I believe) is to 
set music to the songs ; but I have not seen him yet, though I 
have a very kind letter. 

I am particularly pleased with the view through the arch, 
and the other speaks as plainly my language in the rhymes as 
it possibly could. 

Robert Bloomfield. 

52. Robert Bloomfield to Mr. Davy. 

City Road : July 10, 1811. 
Dear Sir, — A poem of mine, of considerable length, is now 
on the point of publication. It contains four incidental songs 
well adapted for music. The booksellers, who are half pro- 
prietors, fixed on Mr. Shield to furnish tunes, and he either 
will not, or cannot, do it. It is now left to me to seek a friend 
who will do it ; not gratuitously, for your terms will be attended 
to. The music is intended to be printed with the book, and 
therefore will have an immediate and wide circulation. I 
remember your former attentions, and request to know if any 
such proposal can be listened to on your part, for you are 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 5d 

highly capable of doing credit to the work. A word of reply 
to this will be greatly obliging to, sir, 

Your humble servant, 

KOBERT BLOOMFIELD. 
To Mr. Davy. 

53. Robert BloomfLeld to Mrs. Lloyd Baker. 

London : Aug. 2, 1811. 
Dear Madam, — I have just seen Miss Ansted, and from her 
report was induced to forward to you one of the very first 
copies of my tour. I will send more to you, and to Dursley 
next week. I may not congratulate you, I find, on the score 
of health ; but I may, and always will, on a subject quite reviv- 
ing and encouraging — your long and uniform placidity of 
mind, and buoyant spirit, that lifts you above this world, and 
bears you to heaven. I will not give place to any man on 
earth but your husband in the earnestness of my wishes for 
your restoration. Eead my verses, and travel with me over 
again ; my heart will be in perfect unison. There are several 
passages entirely new to you, and some which I think you will 
like ; but remember that you are a critic, and have a right (I 
suppose as great as any of them) to say what you please of it. 

There is a sad blunder committed either by the bookseller or 
the engraver in the first plate, which you see exhibits ( A View 
of the Wye from Crickhowel,' a sight which you and I never 
saw before in our lives. Tell Mr. Baker not to laugh at them. 
Davy, the composer, asked thirty-five guineas for setting the 
four ballads to music, and therefore here comes the book with- 
out them. If the enthusiasm of the reader is not awakened by 
the scenery described, he may drum in his own ears, for me. 

* -■* . # " ■* ■ *■ *■ 

Tell Mr. Baker to measure my performance with his anti- 
quarian compasses ; and if it should not be knocked down by 
the professed tomahawk men, I will do anything in another 
edition which shall not destroy the spirit, and the half-wild, 
half-informed run of the wlfiole. 

KOBEKT BLOOMFIELD. 

54. Robert Bloomfleld to the Duke of Grafton. 

London : Sept. 7, 1811. 
My Lord Duke, — Having for some years past boasted, as 
well I might, a personal knowledge of your late honoured 
father, valuable to me as a critic and a friend, I beg your 
Grace's acceptance of a small volume which I once hoped to 
present to my departed patron, and to have received his candid 
remarks. I may have been remiss in being silent on the death 
of so good a friend ; but the fear of appearing to intrude has 
been the true cause. Craving forgiveness for the liberty I am 



54 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

now taking, I have only to add, by your Grace's desire, ex- 
pressed in a letter to my early friend, Capel Lofft, Esq., that 
the annual amount of the gratuity I have received is fifteen 
pounds : 

And am, most truly, your Grace's very humble servant, 

EOBERT BLOOMFIELD. 
To his Grace the Duke of Grafton. 

55. Robert Bloomfield to his daughter Hannah. 

London : April 6, 1812. 
Dear Hannah, 

#■##.## ~ ■# 

I have this morning exchanged agreements for f The Banks 
of Wye,' and find that at the sale on Thursday, Sharp sold 
his complete quarter of my books to Crosby, for — what would 
you guess ? — 5091. ! And, consequently, if such copyrights as 
his, all in a few years coming back into my own hands, will 
fetch that price, what is the worth of my entire half, and the 
other reverting half? Certainly not less than 2,000£. 

But the black side of the story is this : — Sharp sold on the 
same day 4,500 books of mine, and gave from two to three 
years' credit; and as he is quitting the business, he is very 
unable, or else unwilling, to give me anything in advance. 

Robert Bloomfield. 

56. Robert Bloomfield to the Duke of Grafton. 

London : April 7, 1812. 

My Lord Duke, — Nothing but the long-continued kindness 
of your Grace's late father to myself and family could justify 
me in this bold address. During the last summer my good 
friend, Mr. Capel Lofft, stated by letter the case which I now 
revive. The late Duke of Grafton, whose friendship I expe- 
rienced, and of whose favours I had cause to be proud, would 
have given me to the time of his lamented death, a year's 
donation — fifteen pounds — and in your Grace's reply to Mr. 
Lofft, a promise passed that such sum would be given me 
when the amount should be stated. I immediately wrote to 
your Grace, at Whittlebury, a letter which, I fear, was never 
received. 

I would not thus intrude now, had I not determined to live 
in the country and actually sent my goods and wife and five 
children to Shefford in Bedfordshire, for I find the expenses of 
London housekeeping too heavy for my precarious income, and 
have besides by no means good health. 
With grateful thanks, I am 

Your Grace's most obedient servant, 

Robert Bloomfield. 



KOBEKT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 55 

57. Robert Bloomfleld to Mrs. Lloyd Baker. 

Shefford, Beds : Sept. 10, 1812. 
Dear Madam, — The bookselling world goes on but very 
roughly of late. Something more than a year ago, Mr. Hood, 
my principal man, died suddenly, and the business came into 
the hands of a younger partner, who found himself involved, 
sold off his stock and copyrights, &c, when property of mine 
(which sold among the rest) was in his hands to the amount of 
four hundred pounds. And I have since the mortification to 
find him a bankrupt, by which I shall lose at least half that 
sum, and know not when I may get any. They talk of a 
dividend in December, but in the meantime I am and shall be 
put to my shifts. Before the bankruptcy his share of my 
copyrights was sold to Crosby, another bookseller, who is now- 
bound by the original agreements to render me my accounts 
and profits as the other had done. They hold amongst them 
but half my copyrights, and they all revert into my hands in 
fourteen years from their publication. ' The Farmer's Boy ' 
will be wholly my own in a year and a half, and the others in 
succession. But I am so heartily tired of writing on this blank 
subject to so many quarters, that I leave it, assuring you that 
I am in better spirits than such blows are calculated to inspire, 
and far better health than when in London. 

EOBERT BLOOMFIELD. 

58. Robert Bloomfleld to his daughter Hannah. 

[October, 1812.] 
Dear Hannah, 

#■#.**# * 

A new edition of the i Wye ' is wanted directly, and the rest 
sell well. 

& - . •* *- * * -* 

I never yet was half so disgusted with London. If my health 
and spirits were not greatly amended by living in the country, 
and by overcoming the horrible and destroying grief which I 
suffer from domestic troubles, I should certainly sink under my 
load, and rashly sell my property in the books, and forswear 
London for ever. 

Grod bless you all. 

Your cheated and bamboozled Father, 

EOBERT BLOOMFIELD. 

59. Robert Bloomfield to his daughter Hannah. 

Dagget's Court : March 21, 1814, Quarter after 
Six o' Night. 

My dear Hannah, — I write this one letter instead of five 
which I had intended, and the following will give you a suf- 



56 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

ficient reason for my present failure. I have had a cold of 
such a kind as deserves a patent for its oddity. On Thursday 
last I sat for an hour waiting for Swan, in a cold printing- 
office, until I felt uncomfortable, and then got a good dinner as 
usual, for I have eaten turkey fashion, by force, since I have 
been in town. I felt my throat husky at night and the next 
day at dinner, but nothing more than common in such cases ; 
but about four, when preparing to go to Mr. Kogers's party, I 
felt the approach of something extraordinary, and before six had 
completely lost my voice. Coughing produced instant sickness, 
and I could only breathe by opening my mouth. My nose, for 
this purpose, was nothing but a ' make belief.' This state of 
almost suffocation soon produced headache, and all its conse- 
quent blessed attendants. Thus, instead of making my boo to 
my Lord, I had early recourse to a warming-pan, hot gruel, and 
flannel. 

I have to-day left some papers for perusal at Longmans', who 
are more moderate in their tone and must be the best judges, 
for they are on my side. 

If anything within the bounds of my possibility can wrest 
6 Giles ' from Crosby, I will do it. He shall not vex my pretty 
little sleek, mouse-backed spirit for fourteen years to come, 
rest assured of that. 

I will write to Mr. Weston on Wednesday. Thank him for 
me. I am referred by Mr. Lofft to Sir Samuel Eomilly for an 
opinion, which he is confident will back his own. I will go to 
him to-morrow. All jogs tolerably well if I keep in health. 
God bless you. John is waiting. 

E. Bloomfield. 

60. Robert Bloomfield to his daughter Hannah. 

June 4, 1814. 
My dear Girl, — I am going to relate to you a very extra- 
ordinary dream from which I am yet scarcely awake, and which 
fills my mind with unspeakable delight. Meth ought that I was 
hurried away to London, which I had so lately left, and told to 
sleep in an attic story in Fleet Street, and to visit half the sugar 
warehouses in town, climbing up slimy stairs, amidst treacle, 
figs, and barrels of raisins. Soon after, I thought I was whirled 
away 'in the spirit ' to Eochester, and had to gaze from the top 
of the old castle, and tried in vain to encompass the works at 
Chatham amidst a pouring rain ! From hence I was compelled 
to ride or fly through a fog as blue as the smoke of gunpowder, 
and was surrounded by tongues speaking everything but what I 
understood. Nothing ran in my head but French prisoners, 
and that I was going with them to Dover! Cossacks in bear- 
skins helped to fill the crowded road before us, audi once, for a 



EOBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 57 

moment, which is the case with other dreams, saw, as plainly as 
I ever did awake, the tower of Canterbury Cathedral. After 
this, night seemed to close in fast, and with my whole company 
I was destined to descend steep chalk hills and go headlong 
into the sea. It was in vain to expostulate with the pale-faced 
spectre who directed our course. I found myself surrounded 
by a hubbub of voices and trunks of old clothes (you know I 
am always busy in that way in my sleep), and the roar of the 
sea beach, mingled with loud discharges of immense artillery 
placed on cliffs over our heads. I saw Queen Anne's pocket- 
piece as plain as I ever shall, unless I see it when I am awake. 
My head was soon after full of music, and I plainly and dis- 
tinctly heard a band of angels in red coats on a mountain 
in the clouds, play on trumpets the well-known tune * All's 
Well.' I then saw the flash of cannon from ships of war in 
the harbour, which were answered from stupendous heights by 
the thunder of thirty-two pounders, and a triple fire of an 
army placed on the beach, whose guns were all directed towards 
France ! In short nothing could exceed the strange scenes and 
feelings in my dream, except the astonishment I felt when I 
awoke and actually found myself alive and well at the King's 
Head Inn at Dover, where I am now writing with one hand 
and smoking with the other ! If I dare be certain that I am 
now awake, Mr. Weston is now in the room with me, writing to 
his sister. 

We hope to see Eamsgate and Margate and to be home by 
next Thursday, but we expect to see the great visitors land here 
on Monday, when all the bustle will be renewed. You cannot 
write to me because after Monday we shall fly round the coast 
like sea-gulls in search of what we can catch. Pray do not 
mentiou my dream in your letters home, until I can see you or 
pass by you to Shefford. 

Grod bless you, my dear life, until good fortune sends me to 
you again. These glorious scenes I wish to heaven you could 
see, but it cannot be now. 

Yours with a father's feelings, 

EOBERT BLOOMFIELD. 
Dorrevin's French Hotel and King's Head Inn, Dover. 



Dear Sir, 



61. Robert Bloomfteld to T. L. Baker, Esq. 

Shefford, Beds : Oct. 4, 1814. 



X 



I think you have heard of the bankruptcy of my bookseller, 
but you cannot be supposed to enter with me into all the 
troubles consequent thereon. I have buried a daughter who 
possessed all that I could wish in sense and affection. My wife 
is a staunch disciple of Johanna Southcott, my four children at 



58 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

home. The eldest boy, formerly lame, is growing and healthy, 
and is making a rapid progress in arithmetic. My youngest 
boy is seven and a half, and likewise goes to school. My eldest 
girl is a woman in years, and, I hope, in all that may continue 
her my friend. The youngest girl is thirteen, and is growing 
very fast. 

If you calculate dates you will find that last March ' The 
Farmer's Boy ' had been published fourteen years ; and conse- 
quently the bookseller's half of the copyright reverted to me. I 
spent some anxious weeks in London endeavouring to procure 
from* them a sum for the continuation of their share for fourteen 
years to come. I obtained about half the sum which I suppose 
their chance is worth. 

Robert Bloomfield. 
To T. L. Baker, Esq. 

62. Appeal of Sir Samuel Egerton Brydges in behalf of 
Robert Bloomfield. 

TO 

THE FRIENDS AND ADMIRERS 

OF 

ROBERT BLOOMFIELD. 

Several noblemen and gentlemen of Suffolk, the patrons and 
friends of Eobert Bloomfield, a native of that county, so well 
known as a pastoral poet by his 'Farmer's Boy' and other 
compositions, which have conferred on him the fame of pure 
and native genius, having been informed that he is now labour- 
ing under embarrassment, owing partly to the failure of his 
former booksellers, having entered into a subscription to be 
applied in the purchase of an annuity, which may secure inde- 
pendence and comfort to himself and his family during the 
remainder of his own sickly existence, the literary friends of 
this amiable poet are exerting themselves to procure contribu- 
tions to this benevolent design. And one who admires the 
moral worth of his character, as well as his writings, is willing 
to contribute his share of active friendship on this occasion, by 
thus soliciting the notice of those among whom this paper is 
circulated, to a case where they may bestow the most substan- 
tial benefits on an individual whose productions have given 
genuine and enlightened pleasure to every reader of sensibility, 
taste, and virtue. At the head of the subscription in Suffolk 
are the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of Grafton, the Earl of 
Bristol, Lord Eous, the County Members, &c, &c. 

Among the higher circles of East Kent, it is hoped that 
many who have been delighted by the author's poems, or inte- 



ROBERT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 59 

rested by his personal history, will be glad, at this intimation, 
to be among the contributors to the announced fund ; for which 
subscriptions from a guinea upwards, paid into the Canterbury 
Bank of Messrs. Hammond & Co., or Messrs. Stephenson, 69, 
Lombard Street, will be gratefully received. 

S. E. B. 
Lee Priory : Sept. 15, 1816. 

63. The Duke of Grafton to Robert Bloomfield. 

The Duke of Grafton's compliments to Mr. Bloomfield, and 
is glad to have been reminded by him of the arrear of the an- 
nual allowance, which he has by this post directed Messrs. 
Drummonds, in Charing Cross, to pay in full to Mr. Bloomfield 
when he calls for it, or authorises anyone to receive it for him, 
to the amount of thirty pounds, being up to next March. 

The Duke of Grafton regrets that Mr. B.'s muse should have 
been so long silent. An occurrence such as was witnessed by 
several persons in a neighbouring forest (Salcey), might have 
roused her from her lethargy, if she had been within reach of 
surveying the remains of the largest oak in the forest, which fell 
with a prodigious crash, a few days ago, within a hundred yards 
of the principal lodge, of which it had been for an age the chief 
ornament. The noise attracted the notice of all, but of none 
more than the forest deer, which assembled and remained for 
some hours around it, as if to perform the funeral obsequies 
of a departed and reverend friend. At last they seemed mourn- 
fully to retire, their movements being silent and slow. 

If Mr. B., when he was on a visit at Wakefield Lodge, rode 
over, as I think he did, to Salcey Forest, he will have had 
pointed out to him a. particular oak, which is supposed to be 
the largest in circumference, as well as the oldest, in the forest ; 
but in point of height, character, and magnificence, it is not to 
be compared to the oak to which the Duke of Grafton alluded, 
as having by its fall occasioned such a sensation among the wild 
as well as civilised inhabitants of the forest. 

The Duke of Grafton will be very glad to hear of Mr. Bloom- 
field being well, and that he has received the sum directed to 
be paid to him. 

Near Stony Stratford : Feb. 10, 1817. 

64. Robert Bloomfield to the Reverend Mr. Tillbrook. 

Skefford, Bedfordshire : Feb. 24, 1817. 

Dear Sir,- — Yesterday fortnight our good pastor, the Reverend 
Mr. Williamson, of Compton, called on me to show me a letter 
from one of his and your friends, which letter very justly called 
upon me to answer yours to me of the 8th of January. I 
replied to yours the very next day (I hope you will so find it) 



60 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF 

after Mr. Williamson called, and consequently mine must bear 
date February 10th. But yesterday Mr. Williamson again 
called with the same complaint against me for not writing to 
you ! And I now trouble you with this, in hopes of being able 
to clear up a point which gives me great uneasiness, as it may 
be construed into the most foolish and unpardonable neglect on 
my part, and seriously injure me with those to whom I wish to 
appear anything but ungrateful. I do most earnestly beg, sir, 
that you would satisfy me on this head on receipt of this ; and 
I will here recapitulate the heads of what I wrote in my last, 
for the express information of Mr. South ey. 

1st. I hold as my own right one complete half of the copy- 
right of all that I have ever ivritten, and we share the profits. 

2nd. The works are in the hands of Messrs. Baldwin & Co., 
as printers and publishers, and consequently advancers of 
capital for that purpose, and payers of half profits to the 
author. Yet they possess but a small share of that moiety of 
the whole copyright which is divided among the London book- 
sellers ; for Messrs. Longmans & Co. hold half of it, viz., one- 
quarter of the whole works, without any responsibility to me or 
to anyone. 

3rd. Messrs. Baldwins have behaved with the most gentle- 
manly liberality to me since the works came into their hands. 
W T hen my friends thought of that plan which Mr. Southey re- 
commends, namely, an edition of the whole poems by subscrip- 
tion, Baldwins offered to relinquish their claim on any profit, 
and to print such work for my sole benefit, and to any extent ! 
My friends weighed the matter, and relinquished such design, 
as probably being in the end less productive than a plain sub- 
scription of hard stuff or soft paper. 

4th. The latter "plan has taken place, and Mr. Southey is 
requested to lodge anything he may be able to raise in the 
Banking House of Eogers & Co., Clement's Lane, London. 

Such, sir, are, to the best of my recollection, the heads of 
what I stated more fully in my last ; but I shall be glad to give 
more particulars, if you require them. 

I always reckon that I lost by the bankruptcy, and its conse- 
quent iDterference with the book market, about 2501. or 3001. 
At present the sale of the poems is diminished ; and I hardly 
know what is not diminished, except the public debt. 

I am doing my utmost to place my children out, and am, 
dear sir, most thankfully, your very humble servant, 

EOBERT BLOOMFIELD. 
To the Rev. Mr. Tillbrook, 

Fellow of Peter House, Cambridge. 



ROBEKT BLOOMFIELD, THE SUFFOLK POET. 61 

65. Robert Bloomfield to Samuel Rogers, Esq. 

Shefford : March 8, 1819. 

Dear Sir, — Do not be alarmed at my writing to you, for I 
have much to say, and none such to speak to. I have composed 
nearly a thousand lines of a new work to convince you that I 
have not forgotten to help myself. A part of these I have sent 
to the Duke of Grafton, and have his reply in a style which is 
flattering and consolatory even to a poet. This work, if it 
pleases Grod to continue my health, will be finished by next 
Michaelmas, and no pecuniary considerations shall throw it out 
of my hands until it is done. Since I saw you (a long time) I 
have drawn on my publishers for only 501. Added to this is a free 
and honourable gift, unsolicited by me, of 40£. from the Literary 
Fund. This 901. I have found inadequate to my expenses, with 
myself and wife and two children to support here, without 
servant, without company, and without extravagance, besides 
clothing my daughter in town, and assisting my son at Putney, 
as sober a lad as ever had a father. This is my present state. 

Now, sir, you may remember that three years ago Colonel 
Eushbrook personally offered me 1001. of the Suffolk subscrip- 
tion, which I then refused, well knowing that I was likely to 
want it more at a future day, and knowing also that the sub- 
scribers wished me to receive it when it would do me most good. 
That time is come, for I have determined to return to London 
at Michaelmas, for here my eldest daughter, who lives with me 
for my sake far more than her own, has no employment, and I 
will not be her hindrance, for in London she could serve herself 
and ease my pocket. 

Colonel Eushbrook's money is in the form of an exchequer 
bill bearing interest. If it is not paid into your house, may I, 
with any prospect of success or colour of reason, tell him how 
great a service it would do me now, when no considerations 
that I can see ought to put me out of my pursuit, and when a 
complete work should be offered to the publishers rather than a 
mutilated cripple — a thing that says, 'Pray give me a shilling V 

If you can condescend to give me a reply I shall know I 
have to proceed. 

I rejoice to hear that your muse has not been idle, and as 
heartily wish success as any man among your numerous friends. 

But I have said enough from my lonely den, and with un- 
usual health am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, 

Eobert Bloomfield. 

To S. Eogers, Esq. 



62 SELECTIONS FROM CORRESPONDENCE OF BLOOMFIELD. 



66. Robert Bloomfield to Mr. John Murray. 

Stafford: May 24, 1820. 
Sir, — In consequence of a letter from my good friend T. Park, 
Esq., of Hampstead, I send you a MS. poem for your perusal, 
and particularly request that you will read it through. I must 
presume that you know my origin, my history, and the success 
of my former publications. 

My wish is to dispose of this if anyone will deem it worth his 
while to take it off my hands. 

If, sir, you will put me out of my suspense as soon as possible, 
you will greatly add to the quiet of my own mind, and to the 
character I have always heard of your generous conduct as a 
publisher. I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

Eobeet Bloomfield. 

Mr. John Murray, Bookseller, Albemarle Street, London. 



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